Barcelona captain’s return delayed with Espanyol clash now the target | OneFootball

According to a report from SPORT, it has come to light that Frenkie de Jong is now expected to make his return in the La Liga clash against Espanyol on April 11, rather than earlier fixtures initially anticipated.

Heading into the final stretch of the season, Hansi Flick had been hopeful of welcoming back several key players after the international break. 

Alongside De Jong, both Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde were part of the recovery list, offering a timely boost to the squad. 

However, while the two full-backs are on track to return sooner, potentially in time for the high-profile La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid, the situation surrounding De Jong has proven to be more cautious.

What’s the story?

Earlier expectations suggested that the Dutch midfielder could be ready for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against the Rojiblancos. 

That timeline, however, now appears overly optimistic. 

Instead, Barcelona are prioritising a safer recovery path, with the Espanyol fixture emerging as the realistic comeback date.

De Jong will not return against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

De Jong’s absence has been felt deeply within the team. 

The injury, a tear in the biceps femoris of his right leg sustained during training on February 26, initially came with a recovery estimate of five to six weeks. 

While that timeline is still broadly accurate, Barcelona’s medical staff and coaching team are clearly unwilling to take unnecessary risks, especially with crucial fixtures still ahead.

From a tactical perspective, De Jong remains a cornerstone in Flick’s system. In many ways, he acts as the team’s metronome -the player who brings calm and structure in high-pressure situations.

That said, his absence has also opened the door for others to step up, with Marc Bernal, in particular, taking on increased responsibility in midfield and delivering performances that have caught attention. 

This creates an interesting dynamic for Flick moving forward. While De Jong’s return will undoubtedly strengthen the team, the emergence of Bernal ensures that competition remains high. 

For now, patience is the priority. Barcelona are playing the long game with one of their most important players, ensuring that when De Jong does return, he is fully fit and ready to make an impact.