ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 04: Frenkie de Jong of Netherlands looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Netherlands and Poland at De Kuip on September 04, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Over the past couple of weeks, Barcelona have been dealt quite a few injury blows.
Alejandro Balde was the first casualty as he picked up an injury in training, potentially ruling him out for a month, while Gavi’s knee problem appears to be more serious than expected.
To make things worse, Frenkie de Jong picked up an injury while playing for the Netherlands last week. Barcelona subsequently confirmed that the midfielder has picked up a minor injury.
According to Alex Pintanel, Frenkie de Jong is keen on returning to action as soon as possible and is hopeful of featuring in the Newcastle United game.
Barcelona are slated to face the Magpies in their opening Champions League fixture on September 18.
De Jong is working with the goal of being fully fit by the time Barça take on the Premier League outfit. Until then, the midfielder is expected to remain out.
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 04: Frenkie de Jong of Netherlands stands for the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Netherlands and Poland at De Kuip on September 04, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Frenkie de Jong is looking to return to action against Newcastle United. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
That means the Dutchman is expected to miss Barcelona’s game this weekend against Valencia, which will be played at Estadi Johan Cruyff.
In the absence of de Jong, there is a possibility of Marc Casado starting in midfield alongside Pedri, although coach Hansi Flick has numerous other options.
In any case, between now and the Newcastle United game, de Jong will have ample time to return to full fitness and continue his partnership with Pedri in the double-pivot.
Barcelona, though, will be treading with caution, knowing they cannot afford to see the Dutchman aggravating his knock, especially given the fact that Gavi is also struggling with fitness woes.
MALLORCA, SPAIN - AUGUST 16: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the warm up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Son Moix on August 16, 2025 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
MALLORCA, SPAIN - AUGUST 16: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the warm up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Son Moix on August 16, 2025 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)