Frenkie de Jong is unlikely to play in Wednesday’s Clásico, according to AS. The Dutch midfielder finished Saturday’s session but didn’t feel right after it and is now unlikely to recover for the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid at Camp Nou.
De Jong suffered a thigh injury on 19 March during the home La Liga match against Real Madrid. After tests, which confirmed the extent of the injury, it was revealed that he would be out for approximately three weeks, although the club didn’t want to rule the player out for the second leg of the Copa del Rey, highlighting his ability to recover on time.
After some early optimism, which gave him a slight chance of being fit, common sense has prevailed, and despite the player’s attempts to recover, he’s now set to miss the fixture in Barcelona.
His absence will be a blow for Xavi, especially considering that he will join key players Pedri, Ousmane Dembélé and Andreas Christensen on the sidelines. The four players, under normal conditions, would have been in the starting lineup on Wednesday.
Franck Kessié could replace the Dutchman in Xavi’s midfield against Los Blancos. Xavi is also expected to include Sergio Busquets, who was rested against Elche on Saturday, and Sergi Roberto could occupy the other position in midfield.
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
