Barcelona midfield starlet in line for a call-up vs Villarreal in Frenkie de Jong’s absence | OneFootball

With the La Liga 2026 title race entering a decisive phase, Hansi Flick oversaw the final training session, knowing he must plan his midfield very carefully. 

Frenkie de Jong’s injury has created a vacuum that cannot simply be ignored. The Dutch midfielder is expected to miss between five and six weeks, which is a timeline confirmed by the club, and that absence arrives at a crucial stretch of the campaign.

Instead of looking outward, Flick appears ready to look inward.

The German coach has built his Barcelona project around squad depth and academy integration, and once again, La Masia is stepping into focus. 

Time for Tommy to step up

According to Mundo Deportivo, Tommy Marques is now expected to be included in the matchday squad against Villarreal, effectively filling the gap left by De Jong.

This is not a random call-up, as Marques has already been introduced to first-team football this season, making his debut in the win over Mallorca. 

That appearance, while modest, showed Flick’s trust in internal development rather than short-term panic solutions.

Tommy Marques could replace injured Frenkie de Jong. (Photo courtesy: X/FCBarcelona_es)

The timing could not be more interesting. With Gavi gradually regaining rhythm after his own long recovery process, Barcelona’s midfield dynamic is shifting. 

Experience and youth are blending, and Marques now finds himself in a window of opportunity where minutes could genuinely be available.

Without De Jong’s progressive carries and ball control in deeper zones, the team may rely more on structured circulation and collective movement. 

This could suit a younger player eager to follow instructions and prove reliability.

There is also a human element to this story. During the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid, Marques travelled with the squad. 

As per the outlet, after the final, he posed for a photo with De Jong, prompting Pau Cubarsi to joke, “The two Frenkies,” referencing their resemblance. 

Now, what began as a light-hearted moment has turned into a genuine football opportunity.