Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong Set to Miss Key Atletico Madrid Encounter

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are bracing for a pivotal series of matches, with three encounters scheduled within a mere ten days following the international break. These crucial fixtures are expected to significantly influence both clubs' European aspirations, and potentially Barcelona's bid for the league title.

The international period brought unwelcome news for Barcelona, particularly the injury to Raphinha. The Brazilian winger is almost certainly out for the entirety of April, a considerable blow to the Catalan side. On Atletico's front, Alexander Sorloth is a potential doubt, and Johnny Cardoso will miss at least two of the upcoming meetings.

De Jong Unlikely for La Liga Showdown

Adding to Barcelona's concerns, midfielder Frenkie de Jong is highly improbable to be fit for the upcoming La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid. According to Diario AS, the Dutchman is targeting a return for the subsequent fixture at Camp Nou the following Wednesday. Having spent recent days training in the gym rather than on the pitch, De Jong has a narrow window of just two training sessions to prove his readiness after over a month on the sidelines. Given the high stakes of the matches that follow, coach Hansi Flick is expected to exercise caution and avoid rushing De Jong back into action.

Positive Injury News Elsewhere for Barcelona

Despite these setbacks, Hansi Flick will have a more robust squad at his disposal this Saturday compared to before the break. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have both returned to pitch training this week and are anticipated to be available. Eric Garcia is also back, providing Flick with increased flexibility in defensive selections. While all three could potentially start in Madrid, the strong form of Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo alleviates any pressure on Flick to immediately thrust them back into the starting XI. In De Jong's absence, it appears likely that Marc Bernal will partner Pedri in midfield.