Injured Barcelona superstar could be ready in time for CL clash vs Atletico Madrid
Injured Barcelona superstar could be ready in time for CL clash vs Atletico Madrid In a positive development for FC Barcelona, SPORT reports that key midfielder Frenkie de Jong is making progress in his recovery and is targeting a return following the international break, with key fixtures against Atlético Madrid on the horizon. Following encouraging updates earlier in the week, when Alejandro Balde and Eric Garcia returned to training on the pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva, optimism continues to grow within the squad, with De Jong taking positive steps in his recovery. De Jong to return after the international break Right after the international break, Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in La Liga, before a demanding UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against the same opponent.
De Jong is unlikely to be ready for the league match against Diego Simeone’s side. His injury was more serious and required a longer recovery period than those of Balde or Jules Kounde. The Dutch midfielder was still working in the gym on Tuesday alongside the French defender.
However, the positive development is that he has returned to the pitch and is gradually increasing his workload. Making positive progress in recovery. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) The midfielder suffered a distal biceps injury in his right leg during training on 26 February.
The expected recovery period of five to six weeks will align with the end of the international break. While his availability for the league match against Atletico appears unlikely, he could return for the Champions League tie, as he has already resumed on-pitch work and still has nearly two weeks to prepare for the first leg at the Spotify Camp Nou. De Jong remains a key and indispensable figure for Hansi Flick, serving as the anchor in midfield.
In his absence, Marc Bernal has taken on greater responsibility and delivered strong performances, showing his ability to contribute in attack. Nevertheless, Flick & co. will be eager to have De Jong fully fit and ready for the final stretch of the season.