Barcelona has been strengthened by the reappearance of Frenkie de Jong in training on Monday with the rest of the squad, after having missed the start of the season through injury.
De Jong He has struggled with an ankle problem over the past year, missing games in September, October and November after an early sprain. The Dutchman suffered a setback in March and only played once more – 45 minutes against Real Madrid – for the remainder of the campaign.
He also missed out on Euro 2024 with the Netherlands, withdrawing from his country’s squad just days before the tournament began and subsequently sitting out the opening month of the new club’s campaign.
But Barcelona Fans got the good news they were waiting for earlier this week when De Jong was involved in training camp with the wider group.
The former Ajax star did not take part in the entire session, suggesting he may not be ready to return to action just yet, although his presence for at least part of the game is a positive sign.
Frenkie de Jong trains part of the session with the group!
pic.twitter.com/10lyrr4uHh
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 16, 2024
De Jong’s absence has been a major part of Barcelona’s midfield struggles so far in 2024/25. Ilkay Gundogan ended up leaving on a free transfer to ease financial woes, while Gavi has been sidelined following last season’s ACL injury.
The teenage prodigy Marc Bernal, the last of La Masia’s production chain, was ready for a great role until he picked up a long term knee injurywith occasions since Marc Casado went home next to Pedri in form nine.
On the bench at the weekend 4-1 thrashing of the neighbors of the region of Girona it was Guille Fernandez, 16, to add to the numbers.
Having said that, Barça have started the League in an unexpected way.
With Hansi Flick, the Catalans have won five games on the bounce to get the most points so far, already opening a four-point advantage over Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid.
