FC Barcelona will have to find a way to win without Frenkie de Jong at a critical stage of the season

Frenkie de Jong has suffered a major setback after injuring the outer decrease hamstring of his proper leg throughout coaching, dealing a significant blow to FC Barcelona at a essential stage of the season.

Medical checks confirmed the extent of the damage, and the Dutch midfielder is anticipated to be sidelined for 5 to 6 weeks.

The timing may hardly be worse for Barcelona, who’re battling for place in LaLiga and making ready for a high-stakes Spherical of 16 matchup within the UEFA Champions League. Head coach Hansi Flick now faces the problem of reshuffling his midfield with out one in all his most constant performers.

Barcelona will face Newcastle United

Barcelona have been drawn towards Newcastle United within the Champions League final 16. The primary leg is ready for Tuesday, March 10 at St. James’ Park, earlier than the return leg at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, March 18. De Jong’s projected restoration timeline makes his availability for both leg extremely unlikely.

The 2 golf equipment have already met this season in European play. Barcelona earned a 2-1 win at St. James’ Park through the league part, powered by two objectives from Marcus Rashford, whereas goalkeeper Joan García delivered a powerful efficiency between the posts. That earlier outcome will provide some confidence, however the absence of De Jong removes a key piece of Barcelona’s midfield construction.

Ought to Barcelona advance previous Newcastle, the quarterfinal bracket presents both Atlético Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur, with the primary leg scheduled for April 7 or 8 and the return leg on April 14 or 15. On their facet of the draw, potential semifinal opponents embrace Sporting CP, Bodø/Glimt, Arsenal, or Bayer Leverkusen.

Potential rivals for FC Barcelona

A hypothetical closing may deliver a matchup towards European heavyweights resembling Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Galatasaray, Manchester Metropolis, Chelsea, Liverpool, Actual Madrid, or Paris Saint-Germain.

De Jong’s absence can be felt instantly. The 26-year-old has featured in 31 matches this season and lately scored his first purpose of the marketing campaign in a match towards Levante. His capability to manage tempo, progress the ball by way of midfield, and hyperlink protection to assault has made him central to Flick’s system.

Past the speedy aggressive implications, De Jong can also be approaching a private milestone. With 290 appearances for Barcelona, he’s simply two matches shy of equaling the membership document for many appearances by a Dutch participant, at the moment held by Phillip Cocu at 292.