In a positive bit of update, FC Barcelona hope to welcome Frenkie de Jong back from injury next month when they face Girona in La Liga, reports Mundo Deportivo.
De Jong, 27, has been out of action for more than four months now having injured his ankle during the Clasico against Real Madrid in April.
Even though it was expected that he would be back in action in a matter of weeks, De Jong has been unavailable for club and country for almost five months now.
The situation had become concerning as nobody from the club was prepared to set a date for his possible return.
But, Barcelona now believe that the Netherlands international could be back in action after the international break in September.
As such, the game against Girona which will be played on September 14 or 15, is being earmarked as the day on which the former AFC Ajax man will make his return after a lengthy layoff.
This development will be a welcome boost for Barcelona who lost young midfielder Marc Bernal to an ACL injury last night.
With the 17-year-old out for the season, there has been some talk of the Catalans considering a late signing to reinforce the midfield.
However, as per the report from MD, Hansi Flick plans to count on Marc Casado in the defensive midfield position against Real Valladolid later this week before the international break arrives.
And once Barça return to action after the international window, De Jong is expected to be back and be ready to slot in as the pivot midfielder.
It has not been all rosy between Barcelona and De Jong of late, as the club’s relationship with the midfielder is said to have become ‘cold’.
Despite the situation, though, manager Flick believes in the Netherlands international and hopes that he can take a step forward this season, especially with him being the third captain behind Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo.
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