Frenkie de Jong returns to Barcelona's lineup for Betis clash
Frenkie de Jong (29) will be back in FC Barcelona's matchday squad on Saturday for the away game against Real Betis, coach Hansi Flick says. The midfielder is, after a knee injury at the recent World Cup, fit enough again to get minutes.
Coach Flick on the return
At the press conference Flick said that De Jong trains well and is ready to take part from the kickoff, but that he must be used cautiously because of the busy schedule. “He is a top player, very focused. Frenkie gives us more options in midfield,” Flick added.
Positions and competition
Flick considers De Jong not only as a controlling midfielder, but also as a central defender in a five‑against‑five situation. He emphasized that De Jong shows during training that he is 100 percent motivated. The squad now has to compete with Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal and summer signing Rodri, while Brazilian Raphinha has recently recovered from a thigh injury.
Barcelona started the season excellently and won the first eight league matches. Real Betis is currently in third place, five points behind the top spot, and has recently won all of its home games.
Flick anticipates Frenkie de Jong's return for the clash against Betis
Flick indicated that he does not make a definitive promise about De Jong's start, but that the player now provides an extra option. “We have many options. I have to manage that well and it is not easy,” he said.
De Jong's return comes after a long absence; he has not yet played a minute for Barcelona this season since the injury at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Flick balances cautious returns of Raphinha and De Jong for Betis clash
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