As Barcelona prepare to face Young Boys this Tuesday in the Champions League, fans could hardly wait for the probable return of Frenkie de Jong. Dutch midfielder, out of action for more than five months after his serious ankle injury in the clásico against Real Madrid, might just be ready to put on the blaugrana jersey once more. But can he be the turning point this season?
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De Jong: the return of a key player
Much more is at stake than the simple fact of having recovered an on-field player. Since his arrival at Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong has become one of the basic pillars of the club's midfield. His control of the rhythm of the game, both in defense and attack, makes him an important piece for Hansi Flick-a man who really doesn't have options in this area.
It is understandable to await his return. His last outing for Barça was in April when he picked a lateral ligament injury in his ankle after a tough clash with Valverde. Since then, a full season of ups and downs, his absence has been felt by the Catalan team. The question everybody asks themselves is whether the Dutchman will return to the same level as before. All indications are that it is. With Mundo Deportivo suggesting that he will know by Monday or Tuesday if he will get medical clearance to return to the team.
The challenge against young boys and the Champions League
The, Barcelona need a convincing victory to find their feet in this new stage of the league, and that could make all the difference with Frenkie de Jong back in the squad. Even if he doesn't start, his mere presence on the bench would be a sigh of relief for the fans, and a strategic boost to Xavi.
The Champions League is a competition in which detail decides matches, and having a player like De Jong with his tactical intelligence available can be that edge Barcelona need to progress smoothly. Also, after the recent string of injuries that have ravaged the squad, it's always a boost to get players of such caliber back.
However, De Jong isn't the only one that might be back soon, with youngster Gavi close too. The talented midfielder should be available for the Sevilla game on October 20 after almost eleven months out due to an ACL injury. Even if he doesn't start a game, he can be used carefully, probably in the next two matches against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Other important men such as Fermín and Dani Olmo are also well advanced in their return to complete fitness from muscle problems and may be similarly available around that period. This second wave of key player returns is a boost for coach Hansi Flick, who has had to put up with a depleted squad especially at crucial junctures of the season.