Hansi Flick confirms the Barcelona star’s fitness setback

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that Frenkie de Jong suffered a minor fitness problem this weekend.

And that has forced the Dutchman back on the bench for Barcelona’s La Liga meeting with Sevilla.

Hope spread this week that De Jong was set for his very first start of the season this evening, having fully recovered from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

It in turn came as a blow when reports emerged in the media late on Saturday that the 27-year-old had suffered a minor fitness deficit, on this occasion of a muscular nature.

De Jong was therefore named on the bench against Sevilla.

Not only that, but when Eric García withdrew from the Barcelona squad with a problem during the warm-up, FdJ was deemed not good enough to step in.

In a speech before kick-off tonight, the subject of his midfield star was in turn put to boss Hansi Flick.

And the Barcelona director further confirmed:

“Frenkie had some discomfort yesterday, but today it is better. He is an option to come in as a substitute.”

Conor Laird – GSFN