Frenkie de Jong Injury Blow Leaves Barça's Midfield Looking Thin at Worst Possible Time
Frenkie de Jong has picked up a distal biceps injury in his right leg and faces five to six weeks on the sidelines, leaving Barça stretched in midfield.
Just when it looked like Barcelona’s midfield was getting its act together, the injury gods have gone and done it again — Frenkie de Jong is out for five to six weeks.
What Happened?
De Jong felt discomfort during Thursday’s training session and was promptly sent for tests. The results weren’t pretty: the Dutch international has picked up a distal biceps injury in his right leg. Barça confirmed the news officially on Thursday afternoon, with the club putting the recovery timeline at five to six weeks.
For a side that’s been juggling injuries to key midfielders all season, this one stings.
Why the Timing Is So Brutal
Barça are right in the thick of it on multiple fronts, and losing De Jong now is a proper headache:
- Copa del Rey – They’ve got the second leg of the semi-final against Atlético de Madrid coming up next week, and they need to turn the tie around. Not ideal preparation.
- Champions League – European knockout football is just around the corner, and you want your best players fit and firing.
- La Liga – Barça are sitting top of the table. Every point matters at this stage of the season.
It’s a nightmare scenario, really. You wait ages for Pedri and Gavi to get fit, and then the minute things start looking up, another one goes down.
De Jong’s Season So Far
The 28-year-old former Ajax man has been a proper contributor this term. In 31 appearances, he’s chipped in with one goal — against Levante in the most recent La Liga matchday — and seven assists. He’s not always the flashiest player in the side, but he’s reliable, he covers ground, and Flick clearly trusts him.
Losing that sort of calm, experienced presence in the middle of the park is always going to hurt.
Flick’s Options
Hansi Flick isn’t completely up the creek without a paddle, mind you. He’s got a few options to fill the void:
- Pedri – Back in contention and reportedly ready to start after coming off the bench last weekend. Huge boost.
- Marc Casadó – Has done well when called upon this season.
- Marc Bernal – Another young option in the engine room.
- Fermín López – Can operate in midfield if needed.
- Eric García – More of a defensive option but can slot in.
It’s not the same as having De Jong available, but at least Flick has bodies to work with. The next few weeks will really test the squad’s depth — and Flick’s ability to keep all the plates spinning when it matters most.
Barça fans will just have to hope the medical team can work their magic and get Frenkie back sooner rather than later.