Barcelona have released a statement confirming that star midfielder Frenkie de Jong has suffered a hamstring injury.
De Jong has been called up by the Netherlands for their two UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches this month. However, he was forced to return to Catalonia, and tests showed he was injured. A statement on Blaugrana’s website reads:
“Tests carried out on first-team player Frenkie de Jong have revealed that the first-team player has suffered a hamstring injury in his right thigh. He cannot be selected and his recovery will determine his survival. his return.”
The Dutchman’s injury dealt a blow to Barcelona, who didn’t have another young star, Pedri, in midfield. Winger Ousmane Dembele is also out, while recently they confirmed midfielder Ronaldo Araujo is recovering from a groin injury.
It remains to be seen how long De Jong will be sidelined. Xavi Hernandez’s return from international break on April 1 is against Elche in La Liga. They then face the all-important second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid at Camp Nou on April 5.
Frenkie de Jong has been in incredible form for Barcelona this season
Xavi Hernandez’s decision to use four midfielders in the starting line-up seems to have helped Frenkie de Jong in finding my best self for Barcelona. The Dutchman is one of their best players this season.
De Jong has made 34 appearances in all competitions for his club this season. He also appeared in 24 of their 26 La Liga game, scoring twice and averaging 1.3 key passes, 1.2 interceptions, 1.3 tackles and 4.2 successful duels per game.
The midfielder recently helped Barcelona to a 2-1 home win over arch-rivals Real Madrid in the tournament just before the international break. While Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie scored decisive goals for the home side, De Jong showed it from midfield.
He completed 94% of his passes, made the 5 most important passes of the game and made 3 dribbles. The former AFC Ajax star also won two fouls and eight of his nine ground disputes, while also scoring three tackles, two interceptions and one save.
Thanks to De Jong’s superb display and Kessie’s late goal, Barcelona are 12 points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with 12 games to claim their first league title in four beckoning years.
