The Riyadh Air Metropolitano is set for a massive 2025-26 LaLiga Matchday 30 encounter as Atletico Madrid host Barcelona, but the visitors will be missing a vital engine in their midfield. Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in late February.
“Next week, Frenkie will be able to start training with the group. But step by step. We must wait,” manager Hansi Flick stated during his pre-match press conference, confirming the Dutchman is not yet match-ready.
This marks the eighth consecutive game de Jong has missed. Despite his absence, Barca have remained in elite form, recording seven wins and one draw (a 1-1 result against Newcastle in the Champions League). In his stead, young talent Marc Bernal has stepped up effectively alongside Pedri.
Flick prioritizes long-term fitness for grueling April schedule
One of the primary reasons for prioritizing a full recovery for Frenkie de Jong is the congested fixture list Barcelona face in the coming days. Just four days from now, on April 8, Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid again at the Camp Nou for the first leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals.
Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona in action during a game. (Getty Images)
Following that, the return leg will take place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, with a high-stakes Barcelona Derby against Espanyol scheduled at the Spotify Camp Nou on April 11 sandwiched in between.
Reinforcements return for Barcelona
While de Jong remains out, Hansi Flick received a significant boost with the return of several key defenders. “The positive news is that we have recovered Kounde, Balde, and Eric [Garcia],” Flick noted, solidifying a backline that will be under immense pressure tonight.
With this information in mind, Hansi Flick is expected to field the following probable lineup to face Atletico Madrid: Joan Garcia; Joao Cancelo, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia; Pedri, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez; Marcus Rashford, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres.
