Barcelona faces a challenging period as key midfielder Frenkie de Jong is sidelined until November, according to the initial prognosis. The Dutch maestro had been in exceptional form at the start of the season, and his absence, even in the past, has often proved costly for the Blaugrana.
Sport has pointed out that de Jong’s previous injuries have coincided with a notable drop in results for Barcelona. Since his arrival at the club, he has missed just 16 games due to injury, and in those matches, Barcelona has managed to win only six, which translates to a win rate of 37.5%. The remaining outcomes consist of seven draws and three defeats, with 18 goals scored and 13 conceded.
The Upcoming Matches
During his absence, Barcelona will be without de Jong for crucial fixtures against Mallorca, Sevilla, Porto, Granada, Athletic, and Shakhtar. Additionally, there’s a possibility he might miss the highly anticipated Clasico clash against Real Madrid on October 28th. Despite the setback, de Jong is determined to recover in time for this pivotal match. He is working diligently towards that goal.
De Jong’s performance this season has been nothing short of imperious, and his influence on the team is challenging to replicate through other players. However, there’s a silver lining for Xavi Hernandez. Barcelona boasts quality midfield replacements, albeit with a somewhat thin squad. With Pedri sidelined due to injury, Xavi will likely turn to the likes of Oriol Romeu, Ilkay Gundogan, Gavi, or Fermin Lopez to fill the midfield void. Encouragingly, the former three have displayed excellent form in the early stages of this season.
As Barcelona navigates this period without de Jong, the team’s depth and adaptability will be put to the test. The midfield maestro’s absence serves as a reminder of his vital role in the squad. Frenkie de Jong’s return will undoubtedly be eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike. Until then, the Blaugrana must rally and find ways to maintain their competitive edge in his absence.
Discover more from Barça Buzz
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.