FC Barcelona have managed to pull their weight this season even when the team had a depleted squad. That was mainly possible thanks to the tactical excellence of Hansi Flick, who managed to cover those holes in the team somehow. Fortunately for both him and Barcelona, the team has only gotten stronger since then.
Injured players are beginning to return and the squad is almost back to its full strength. Barring a few key injuries, ones that are mainly linked to the team’s defensive players, most of the injured players have returned and are now available for selection under Hansi Flick’s orders.
One such player is Frenkie de Jong, a key player for the Dutch National team and a Barcelona captain, who is now back in action for the club after a frustrating long-term injury that involved a lot of uncertainties. Now, however, the Dutchman seems to have made a full recovery.
Ahead of the upcoming game against RCD Espnayol, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick even talked about his qualities and what the ‘fantastic’ midfielder brings to the team following his immense display against Real Madrid, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo:
“I like what I see from Frenkie; we saw it in Madrid. He gave us stability and ball control. He’s fantastic. He had a serious injury, and we’ve gotten him back, and he helps us. He gives us options.”
Reports are even suggesting that the Barcelona captain could finally end up starting for the Catalan giants for the first time since making his recovery. Against Real Madrid in his previous outing, he played the second 45 minutes of the game and was outstanding as it is, so it may finally be time to give him his first start of this season.
However, Espanyol is never an easy opponent for Barcelona given their history. As such, Hansi Flick’s planning will need to be precise and De Jong’s involvement, if he starts, in the game will need to adhere to whatever game plan the German coach ends up envisioning for this upcoming encounter.