De Jong returns to the pitch and approaches the derby

134

De Jong
7.850.000€+140.000€    -

J1

MD

41

After the blow suffered in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, the session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper delivered positive news: Frenkie de Jong returned to train with his teammates partially, with the ball and as part of the collective dynamics.

The Dutch midfielder had not trained with the group since late February, when he suffered an injury in the distal biceps of his right leg. Since then, his absence has extended to nine matches: three in the Champions League, one in the Cup, and five in LaLiga.

A return that relieves the midfield

The gradual comeback of the Dutch player comes at a physically demanding time for the midfield. Pedri could not continue after the break against Atlético de Madrid due to discomfort, although no injury was confirmed, and Marc Bernal will not be available against Espanyol, with the expectation of being ready for the return leg at the Metropolitano.

In this scenario, the fact that De Jong was able to complete ball exercises during a low-intensity training session after the European match offers another option for Hansi Flick.

The coaching staff, however, remains cautious. The immediate reference will be Friday’s session, which should clarify whether he is fit to be included in the squad and make a return on Saturday in the derby. If everything goes as planned, the idea is for him to get his first minutes against the Pericos at Camp Nou, always depending on his Friday progress and Saturday activation.

The goal that remains, and which is gaining importance due to the first leg result, is that he arrives guaranteed for the second leg at the Metropolitano, where the team will play to qualify for the semifinals if they manage to overturn the tie.

Player fantasy data

De Jong has accumulated 1 goal and 4 assists in his 19 matches played so far. On Comunio, he has a market value of €7,850,000 and totals 134 points, with an average of 7.1 points per game. On other fantasy platforms, his numbers are similar, for example 83 points on Biwenger or 119 points on LaLiga Fantasy DAZN.