Injury update: Barcelona trio will return vs Atletico Madrid; key midfielder likely back for CL clash | OneFootball

The international break will come to an end this week and FC Barcelona will resume their campaign with a La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid.

The Blaugrana will face the Colchoneros twice more after that in a space of a week, as the two teams will collide in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

Leading up to the three potentially season-defining encounters against Diego Simeone’s side, Barcelona have received some promising news on the injury front.

Balde, Kounde, Eric, to return in league game; De Jong for the QF 1st leg

Indeed, according to AS, Hansi Flick is expected to recover three players in time for the La Liga match on 4 April at the Metropolitano: Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Alejandro Balde.

All three players have already started training on the pitch in the current international break and are expected to be available at the weekend.

Regarding Frenkie de Jong, the expectation is that he will be fit in time for the Champions League first-leg tie against Atletico.

The return of Kounde, who suffered a hamstring injury on 3 March during the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Atletico, is considered almost essential for Hansi Flick.

Frenkie de Jong’s return will have to wait. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

The German tactician has found it hard to find a consistent replacement at right-back, rotating between Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo and academy player Xavi Espart.

Meanwhile, Balde, who was injured on the same day as Kounde, is expected to receive medical clearance on Saturday. However, he may need to wait before regaining a place in the starting eleven, given Joao Cancelo’s strong performances on the left flank.

Eric, however, is more likely to start vs Atletico. He has had two weeks to fully recover from discomfort in his right hamstring, which had been limiting his performance in recent weeks.

His return is expected to be one of the most positive developments for Flick ahead of the decisive phase of the season.

As for De Jong, he will require a few more days before receiving medical clearance. The Dutchman suffered a tear in the biceps femoris of his right leg on 26 February during training and could be available for the first leg of the Champions League tie against Atletico.

So, if the international break does not bring further complications, Barcelona is set to face its triple clash against Atletico Madrid with only two confirmed absences: Raphinha and Andreas Christensen.