With the Euros and Copa America moving to their business end, almost all the key players have returned to the Catalan club. Barca has started their training sessions ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, having the first session concluded on 11th July. Though the session saw a few of the Catalan stars returning from injuries and making a comeback to the squad, the Barca camp seemed worried about one player.
De Jong's return delays
De Jong, who had been the leader of the Barca midfield since he joined the club in 2019, was set to return to the squad for training. Reports had suggested that the midfielder felt 100% ready and recovered to start the preseason, with only a test left to asses his ankle's condition. On top of that, the Dutch midfielder's unwavering belief made everyone relieved about his comeback. Not long before, De Jong had said,
"“I still have a long way to go, but I would like to be the Dutch player who plays the most games in Barcelona’s history.”"Frenkie De Jong
However, when the midfielder arrived with the team, he was not looking in a condition to return soon. Moreover, the test confirms that De Jong still has a swollen ankle and would require more time to return to FC Barcelona. As per recent reports, De Jong is expected to return to group training in around 3-4 weeks.
That feels like a mighty blow for Hansi Flick's side, as they needed the Dutch midfielder to strengthen the core of their midfield. With Pedri sidelined for a month due to a Knee sprain and De Jong still in the recovery phase, the mettle falls upon Gavi, who has been showing signs of recovery lately.
Still, problems seem to have no end at the Catalan club as Gavi is to hit back the starting lineup from the start of September 2024. Given the conditions, Hansi Flick and Deco need to brainstorm for midfield options that could bear the opposition teams until De Jong, Pedri, and Gavi return.