If they was ever a time for Barcelona to need Frenkie de Jong, it is now. Marc Bernal’s season-ending knee injury means that Hansi Flick only has three pivot options at his disposal: Marc Casado, Pedri and Eric Garcia. Of the three, Casado is the only natural defensive midfielder.
De Jong should have been available at the start of the season for Flick, but the Dutch midfielder is still struggling with the ankle injury he picked up during the final El Clasico of the season in April. MD say that the discomfort he has been experiencing has yet to subside, which is a major worry for Barcelona.
De Jong is hesitant to return to action while he is not at 100%, but Barcelona have had enough of his situation. Because of this, they have passed down an ultimatum: he either comes back after the international break (even if discomfort is still present), or he undergoes surgery to fix the problem.
It’s understandable that Barcelona are frustrated. De Jong was only expected to be out for 4-5 weeks initially, but it’s now been over four months. His presence is desperately needed by Flick after the injury to Bernal.
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