FC Barcelona lock horns with Getafe tomorrow afternoon at Coliseum Alfonso Perez. A victory against Jose Bordalas’ men would see the Catalans inch closer to the La Liga title.
However, Hansi Flick & co. will be without some key players for the trip as Lamine Yamal has picked up a fresh injury, while Raphinha and Marc Bernal have still not recovered from their problems.
Moreover, versatile star Eric Garcia also misses out due to suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in La Liga.
De Jong to start?
Given the situation, SPORT reports that Frenkie de Jong could make his first start for Barcelona in over two months against Getafe.
The 28-year-old Dutchman last started a game for Barça on 22 February against Levante, when he even scored in a 3-0 victory. However, a few days later, he suffered a hamstring injury that put him out of action for over a month.
The midfielder made a comeback in the Catalan derby against RCD Espanyol a couple of weeks back. He has made three brief appearances since returning from the injury.
With Bernal also suffering an injury during that period, Flick has had to use Garcia as a makeshift defensive midfielder in recent games, considering he does not count on Marc Casado.
But with Garcia unavailable for tomorrow and De Jong slowly gaining match-rhythm, he could return to the starting XI as Pedri’s partner in midfield.
Indeed, De Jong’s minutes have gradually increased, with seven, 10 and 18 minutes played against Espanyol, Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo, respectively. His training performances have improved, and his recovery has progressed well.
As such, for the match in Getafe, which is crucial in the race for the league title, Flick is considering giving him a starting role.
The post Barcelona midfielder could return to the starting XI vs Getafe after two months appeared first on Barca Universal.
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