In a boost to Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions, manager Hansi Flick has expressed his delight at welcoming midfielder Frenkie de Jong back to the team. The Dutchman’s return follows a long period of absence due to an ankle injury which has kept him out of action since April and prevented him from participating in this summer’s European Championship.
As Barcelona prepare to face Swiss champions Young Boys on Tuesday, Flick confirmed De Jong’s inclusion in the squad, hinting the 27-year-old could make a brief appearance as he returns to fitness. “It’s fantastic news to have Frenkie with us. His presence is invaluable, even if it’s only for a few minutes,” Flick commented at a press conference on Monday. “His attitude throughout the rehabilitation process has been exemplary; he has remained closely connected to the team and is eager to contribute. We have missed him greatly.”
Although De Jong may not be ready for a full match, Flick is confident that a stint of around 10-20 minutes will benefit both the player and the team. “Frenkie won’t be ready for the full 45 minutes, but even a short stint will be good for him and for us,” he admitted.
However, the Blaugrana are not without challenges, as they navigate through injuries to key players like Gavi and Ronald Araujo. To make matters worse, Eric Garcia is also unavailable due to suspension, following a red card in the Champions League opener against Monaco, a match which saw Barcelona suffer a disappointing defeat.
Despite these obstacles, Flick maintains an optimistic outlook on Barcelona’s European aspirations. The Catalan giants, who last lifted the Champions League trophy in 2015, have endured a turnaround in the competition, reaching the quarter-finals just once in the last four seasons .
“Our goal is to win every game we play,” Flick said confidently. “The team and I are determined to make our mark, and I am very optimistic about our chances. We are determined to work hard and provide attractive football, and if we have to regain the respect of our opponents, we will continue to fight to achieve this goal.”
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