Frenkie de Jong returns to Barcelona squad for Champions League decider
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is set to return from a two-month injury absence for the club's crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. The Dutch international has been included in the travelling squad announced by the club, providing a major boost for manager Hansi Flick as his side attempts to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit.
De Jong has been sidelined since late February with an ankle injury but made his comeback during Barcelona's 4-1 derby victory over Espanyol on Saturday. The 27-year-old came off the bench in that match and registered an assist for Marcus Rashford, demonstrating his immediate impact upon return. His availability offers Flick additional creativity and control in midfield for what will be a demanding encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The return comes at a critical juncture for Barcelona, who must produce a significant performance in Madrid to keep their European campaign alive. De Jong's experience in high-pressure matches, including previous Champions League knockout stages, will be valuable as the Catalan club seeks to mount a comeback. His inclusion offsets the absence of young defender Pau Cubarsi, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg but will travel with the squad to support teammates.
De Jong has been a foundational piece of Barcelona's midfield since his €75 million arrival from Ajax in 2019, though his time at the club has been punctuated by persistent transfer speculation linking him with moves away, particularly to Manchester United. His season has been disrupted by this latest injury, limiting him to just 21 appearances across all competitions. His technical quality and ability to progress the ball from deep positions have been missed during his absence.
Barcelona's squad announcement also noted that midfielder Marc Bernal's participation remains subject to a medical assessment. The club faces an uphill battle against an Atletico side managed by Diego Simeone, who has historically built resilient defensive units. De Jong's potential involvement, whether from the start or as a second-half option, adds a new tactical dimension for Flick as he plots a path to the semi-finals.
The fixture represents one of the most significant tests of Flick's early tenure at Barcelona, with European elimination compounding domestic disappointments that have seen the club fall off the pace in La Liga. A positive result in Madrid could help salvage a challenging season, while defeat would confirm a trophyless campaign and intensify scrutiny on the club's direction. De Jong's return at least provides one piece of encouraging news ahead of the daunting trip.
