Barcelona captain resumes group training ahead of derby vs RCD Espanyol | OneFootball

Following their 0-2 loss to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, FC Barcelona will be eager to bounce back quickly when they take on RCD Espanyol this weekend.

The Catalan derby is set to take place this Saturday evening at the Spotify Camp Nou and leading up to the crucial encounter, the Blaugrana have received a positive boost.

Frenkie de Jong back in group training

According to journalist Santi Ovalle, key Barcelona midfielder and captain Frenkie de Jong has resumed group training today.

The Netherlands international did only a part of the session with the rest of the squad and will take things forward one step at a time. Nevertheless, it is a big boost for Barça ahead of crunch fixtures against Espanyol this weekend and Atletico Madrid next week.

De Jong has been out of action since late February after suffering a hamstring injury during a training session.

Back in training. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

As a result, the 28-year-old midfielder has already missed nine matches across all competitions, including three against Atletico Madrid (one each in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League).

Marc Bernal had stepped up admirably in the Dutchman’s absence, but the youngster himself picked up an ankle sprain last weekend and is currently sidelined.

Moreover, last night, Pedri also had to be taken off with hamstring discomfort, although he is understood not to be dealing with any injury.

Given the circumstances, De Jong’s return to training is a positive step for Barcelona.

It will now be interesting to see whether he makes his comeback for the derby this weekend or instead Hansi Flick waits until the Atletico clash next week to bring him back.