No risks taken – Barcelona captain set to miss Valencia clash, to return against Newcastle | OneFootball

Barcelona will return to action on Sunday after the first international break of the new season as they take on Valencia.

Ahead of their first home game of the new campaign, likely to be played at Estadi Johan Cruyff, owing to delays in Camp Nou return, the Catalans are sweating over the availability of some key players.

Gavi, who missed the Rayo Vallecano clash, looks likely to be out again as there is a danger of him having to undergo surgery to address his troublesome knee.

Meanwhile, doubts persist over Frenkie de Jong’s availability as he returned from the Netherlands camp with gluteal muscle discomfort.

Barcelona will not risk De Jong vs Valencia

While there was some hope that De Jong might make it to the game against Valencia, the latest update from Mundo Deportivo suggests otherwise.

De Jong suffered a minor injury while playing for the Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

De Jong did not train with the group on Monday as Barcelona resumed work at the Ciutat Esportiva and is not expected to feature against Valencia on Sunday evening.

The midfielder had already undergone medical tests before returning to Barcelona, with the Dutch federation sending the results to Barça, describing the problem as minor.

However, with the UEFA Champions League campaign kicking off on 18 September against Newcastle United, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is determined not to risk De Jong against Valencia.

As such, the Dutch heavyweight, one of the club captains, will sit out the Valencia game in all likelihood, with his return expected to take place against Newcastle at St. James’ Park next week.

De Jong’s absence, along with the likely continued unavailability of Gavi, means Flick is expected to turn to Marc Casado to partner Pedri at the base of midfield against Valencia.