The physicality of the FC Barcelona players is something that the club wants to focus on. With new coach Hansi Flick’s introduction, that is the last thing the Catalan giants now wish to struggle with. However, even with the appointment of a new Barcelona coach, lingering issues still persist.
While it may be true that Flick is in favor of incorporating new types of medical examinations as well, his focus on physical development and high-intensity training is only a positive thing for the players who get to train under him right now. As for those who got injured before his arrival, their progress remains slow.
Gavi, for instance, is still recovering from his ACL injury that he suffered on the international break with Spain last year. Moreover, it is expected that he will likely take close to two more months to recover enough to train with the group. However, he will not be the only previously injured midfielder who still needs time to recover.
According to Achraf Ben Ayad, 27-year-old Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is still ‘far from being ready’. The complications with his right ankle are proving to be difficult for him to recover from, and he may need three or four more weeks of recovery before he can start work with the group again.
This will understandably come as a big blow to Hansi Flick, who is already dealing with a very depleted midfield. However, unlike Gavi and Pedri’s injuries, the Barcelona coach had hoped the Dutchman would recover in time to help out with preseason.
Unfortunately, the player’s ankle is recovering at a slow rate, and the current status of it has also worried the club’s doctors. Previous reports even suggested that the Barcelona star may end up never recovering his best version again with a lingering threat of his injury becoming chronic.
For now, De Jong will continue to work on his recovery and help his team when he can return. Others, such as the youngsters from the Barcelona quarry, are still available and will look to help the team until then.
Some interesting call-ups, such as the two Fernandez cousins, should be some players to keep an eye on until the first-team stars return, both from injury and from the international break.
