Barcelona confirm midfielder ruled out with hamstring injury
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 both of their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers this month. However, he was forced to return to Catalonia and tests indicated he suffered an injury. A statement on the Blaugrana website read:
“Tests carried out on first-team player Frenkie de Jong have revealed that the first-team player has a hamstring injury in his right thigh. He is not available for selection and his recovery will determine his return.”
The Dutchman’s injury is a blow to Barcelona, who are already without another young star, Pedri, in midfield. Winger Ousmane Dembele is also ruled out, as they recently confirmed centre-back Ronaldo Araujo is nursing a groin injury.
It remains to be seen how long De Jong will be out. The return of Xavi Hernandez after the international break on April 1 with a match in La Liga against Elche. They will 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 play four midfielders in his starting XI seems to have helped Frenkie de Jong find his best for Barcelona. The Dutchman has been one of his best players this season.
De Jong has made 34 appearances in all competitions for his club this season. He also featured in 24 of their 26 La Liga games, scoring twice and averaging 1.3 key passes, 1.2 steals, 1.3 tackles and 4.2 duels completed per game.
The midfielder recently helped Barcelona to a 2-1 win at home against league rivals Real Madrid just before the international break. While Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie scored the decisive goals for the hosts, De Jong led the show from midfield.
He completed 94% of his passes, made five key passes and completed three dribbles. The former AFC Ajax star also had two fouls and eight of his nine ground duels and registered three tackles, two interceptions and a clearance.
Thanks to De Jong’s immense display and Kessie’s late winner, Barcelona moved 12 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with 12 games to go as a first league title in four years s ‘announcement.
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