Frenkie de Jong closing in on Barcelona return ahead of Atletico Madrid showdown

Barcelona fans have received a massive boost this week with news that Frenkie de Jong is stepping up his recovery.

The Dutch maestro is reportedly eyeing a comeback just in time for the club’s massive Champions League quarter-final clash against Atletico Madrid.

It’s been a frustrating period for Frenkie de Jong.

After suffering a distal biceps injury in his right leg back in late February, the midfielder has been forced to watch from the sidelines during a crucial stretch of the season.

However, according to reports from Spain, the light at the end of the tunnel is finally visible.

With the international break providing a much-needed breather for the squad, De Jong has been spotted back on the grass at the Ciutat Esportiva, moving away from isolated gym work and nearing a return to full team training.

A race against time for Frenkie De Jong

While the progress is positive, the timing is tight.

Barcelona face a double-header against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid immediately after the break.

First up is a La Liga trip to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, followed shortly by the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie.

Expectations are that the league game might come a few days too soon for the former Ajax man.

Given the nature of his muscle injury, Hansi Flick and the medical staff are unlikely to risk a setback by rushing him into a high-intensity domestic match. However, the Champions League is the real target.

Why De Jong is vital for Hansi Flick

Since Flick took the reins at the Spotify Camp Nou, he has made De Jong the undisputed anchor of his midfield. De Jong signed a new contract last year until 2028, which shows how much the club value him.

In his absence, youngster Marc Bernal has stepped up admirably, showing maturity beyond his years. But in the knockout stages of elite European competition, there is no substitute for experience.

De Jong’s ability to break lines with his dribbling and maintain possession under heavy pressure is exactly what Barca will need against an Atletico side that thrives on defensive transition.

Having him “fit and firing” could be the difference between a semi-final spot and a disappointing exit.

De Jong’s road to full fitness

The initial recovery timeline was set at five to six weeks, which aligns perfectly with the upcoming European fixtures.

Alongside Alejandro Balde and Eric Garcia, who have also made successful returns to training, De Jong’s presence in the squad would give Flick a near-full strength roster for the first time in months.

For Barca, the business end of the season is here. If they are to navigate the “Atletico gauntlet,” they need their best players on the pitch.

All eyes will be on the training ground over the next ten days to see if Frenkie’s leg holds up to the increased workload.