November 12, (THEWILL) – Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has revealed that midfielder Frenkie de Jong should be fit and available after the upcoming November international break. De Jong has been sidelined since late September due to an ankle injury but Xavi confirmed the Dutchman will return to action once national team fixtures conclude.
The 26-year-old Netherlands international was one of several key Barcelona players ruled out through injury issues earlier in the campaign. De Jong had targeted featuring in El Clasico in late October but was not deemed fit enough. However, Xavi has now stated that the midfielder will play when La Liga resumes versus Rayo Vallecano, following the international fixtures.
De Jong’s absence alongside young Spanish starlet Pedri has increased minutes for the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Gavi in central midfield. However, Gavi is suspended for Sunday’s home game with Alaves, narrowing Xavi’s options at a difficult time as Barcelona seek to stay in touch with surprising league leaders Girona.
Results have stuttered of late for the Catalan giants, who were surprisingly defeated by Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek to check their UEFA Champions League progress. Xavi will hope De Jong’s return can help spark a revival after recent poor form.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
