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Frenkie de Jong central midfield of Barcelona and Netherlands during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Levante UD at Spotify Camp Nou on February 22, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
FC Barcelona had plenty of good news lately with the returns of several players from injuries. Alejandro Balde, Jules Koundé, and Eric Garcia were confirmed to be back fit by manager Hansi Flick. This gives the defense a boost in a crucial juncture.
However, Frenkie de Jong is not quite yet ready. “We have to wait for Frenkie,” Flick said, saying he may be fit next week. When the Dutchman is back, he is surely to start in midfield. However, Barça have dealt well with his absence. Marc Bernal, in particular, has done a good job as his deputy.
Regardless, De Jong’s return is critical. His combination of passing, dribbling, defending, and movement in attack is hard to replace. Barça may have to do without him for a clutch match against Atlético de Madrid tomorrow in La Liga.
The Catalans play against the same team in the UEFA Champions League next Wednesday. He may not yet be 100% then, but chances are better that he’d play. There’s the Catalan derby against Espanyol on the 11th and the second leg against Atléti on the 14th. That will be the third time the Blaugrana square off against Diego Simeone’s men in quick succession, for what will be a hotly contested, bruising series of matches.
If Barcelona are to progress in the Champions League and maintain first place in La Liga, they will surely need De Jong to play some part.
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