Frenkie de Jong is set to return from injury, expected after this month’s international break, with Xavi saying the Dutchman will recover and be ready for Barcelona’s clash with Rayo Vallecano. This is great news for Blaugrana after Frenkie suffered an ankle injury nearly 2 months ago.
De Jong initially hoped he would be ready to return for El Clasico against Real Madrid two weeks ago, but still felt pain in his ankle and couldn’t make it into the squad. A decision was then taken by Barca to act with extreme caution and delay his return until after the international break to give Frenkie an extra two weeks to prepare, and now there will be none. can delay this reappearance any longer.
De Jong is about to return to the field.
Barca missed De Jong, who played well in every match before getting injured. The standard of the Blaugrana’s midfield has dropped in recent matches, and Frenkie’s return will help stabilize the center of the pitch, bringing more creativity to aid Barca’s attack as they seek to score. back in best form.
Xavi Hernandez has been waiting for Frenkie de Jong’s return for several weeks now. The Dutch midfielder is the name most wanted by staff, teammates and fans. Barcelona will be delighted to have the Dutch international back in action, but his return may not be good news for Joao Felix. De Jong’s appearance could see Xavi switch to a four-midfield system once again, which was the key formula that helped Xavi win La Liga last season. An 11-man squad consisting of a quartet of midfielders increases the flexibility of the game and minimizes the risk of losing the ball, while also helping them dominate the midfield and provide the ball to the strikers.
Felix is ​​in poor form.
If Xavi really chooses to use four midfielders, it will be bad news for one of the strikers, most likely Felix, because Robert Lewandowski is untouchable. The line-up is therefore likely to feature De Jong alongside Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri and Gavi, with Lewandowski leading the quartet.
Felix started his career at Barcelona brightly but has struggled to score and create goals in recent weeks. The Portugal international has gone 10 games without scoring or assisting in all competitions for Barca, and although he is not the only player to have struggled recently, all eyes are on Joao Felix . The Portuguese international could be a victim if Xavi returns to his favorite formation.
The match against Rayo will be too early to change, because Frenkie has not played for nearly 2 months and is unlikely to start, but in the next matches, the possibility of Barca returning to the 4-midfield formula is completely possible. can happen.
Thanh Vu | 12:10 November 15, 2023
