Frenkie de Jong back after 48 days out
The Dutch midfielder came on in the second half of the win against Espanyol for his first appearance since February after recovering from injury
Frenkie de Jong is back. 48 days after his last appearance in a Barça shirt in a league game against Levante back in February, the Dutch midfielder came on in the 82nd minute of the derby against Espanyol and provided Marcus Rashford with an assist for the blaugranes' final goal in the 4-1 win.
After picking up a hamstring injury in training, De Jong has worked hard to make it back to fitness and coach Hansi Flick now has a valuable asset in midfield to call upon once more.
A much awaited return
Before his injury, De Jong had played 31 times in 2025/26, scoring in the game against Levante before his spell on the sidelines. His return could not come at a better time with Barça moving into the decisive phase of the season with two trophies still to play for.