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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>De Jong battling a new issue</li><li>Has recovered from a long-term ankle injury </li><li>Might not get a starting role against Sevilla</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Another fitness issue for Frenkie de Jong?!  Injury-plagued Barcelona star suffers fresh setback ahead of Sevilla clash

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Celta Vigo

Barcelona

<p>De Jong has been sidelined since April after suffering a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/why-barcelona-dont-know-frenkie-de-jong-return-despite-finally-returning-training/blt45e59590ef15e89f" target="_blank">serious ankle ligament injury</a> that kept him out for several months. His absence was felt heavily by the Netherlands, as he missed the entire summer’s European Championship and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/frenkie-de-jong-return-hopes-tempered-netherlands-boss-ronald-koeman-fitness-update-barcelona-star/blt47e9e9f55e21bf88" target="_blank">continued to remain unavailable</a> in the early part of Barcelona's 2024-25 campaign. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Earlier this month, De Jong finally made his comeback, appearing as a substitute in both the UEFA Champions League match against Young Boys and a La Liga fixture against Alaves. These appearances were seen as positive steps towards his full recovery and return to the starting XI. However, according to<em> </em><a href="https://x.com/AdriaAlbets/status/1847626120650223925" target="_blank"><em>Adria Albets</em></a>, he has a muscle discomfort that has cast doubt over his match fitness to play against Sevilla.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Barcelona manager Hansi Flick had intended to start De Jong as La Liga action resumes after the international break, but the recent setback has thrown those plans into uncertainty. Flick acknowledged the situation, explaining that the final decision regarding De Jong’s availability will be made after assessing him on match day. </p><p>“We have to see him tomorrow. He felt some discomfort yesterday, he started with the group today but then he was sidelined. I wanted to start him but we’ll see,” said the manager.</p>

WHAT HANSI FLICK SAID

<p>The timing of this setback couldn’t be worse for Barcelona, as the club is entering a pivotal stretch of the season. Flick is understandably cautious about risking further injury to one of his key players, especially with two critical matches on the horizon - against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Real Madrid in La Liga next week. Both fixtures will likely require Barcelona’s strongest squad, and risking De Jong’s fitness against Sevilla may not be worth the gamble.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Another fitness issue for Frenkie de Jong?!  Injury-plagued Barcelona star suffers fresh setback ahead of Sevilla clash | Goal.com Kenya

Frenkie de Jong has suffered a fresh injury setback and remains doubtful of a start against Sevilla.