Barcelona Midfielder Returns To Training After Absence

Barcelona started preparations for the next game against Levante on Tuesday after having a rest day on Monday. And one of the surprises from the training session was the absence of midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutchman had finished Saturday’s match against Mallorca without any issues and completed Sunday’s recovery session without problems. So his absence on Tuesday raised some eyebrows.

Soon, though, it was confirmed that De Jong’s absence was due to personal reasons: his partner was about to give birth to their second child, and he wanted to be by her side. For that reason, Hansi Flick could not count on him.

De Jong back in training today

Now, as reported by SPORT, after missing Barcelona’s first training session of the week, De Jong was present on Wednesday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

The 28-year-old midfielder worked normally with his teammates as preparations ramped up for Saturday’s La Liga game against UD Levante.

However, De Jong has not yet become a father. His partner, Mikki Kiemeney, is still awaiting the arrival of the baby.

As such, the Netherlands international, already father to a son, trained with one eye on the pitch and another on his phone, awaiting the call from the doctors.

De Jong is an indispensable member of this Barcelona team for Flick – untouchable in the holding midfield role and a leader both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

With his contract expiring in 2026, efforts are being made to renew it, and the midfielder has recently joined forces with a new agent, which should help speed up the process.

Barcauniversal.com