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Champions League
Frenkie de Jong in the preview of Barça-Young Boys (5-0)

DE JONG PLAYED 15 MINUTES ON TUESDAY

Frenkie De Jong returned to play for FC Barcelona 163 days later

Published:2/10/2024 - 00:22h

Updated:2/10/2024 - 04:41h

FC Barcelona recovered Frenkie de Jong on Tuesday. The Dutchman returned to action against Young Boys (5-0) after 163 days injured, playing 15 minutes

Calendar of FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona had a happy night on Tuesday in Montjuïc against Young Boys (5-0). The culés quickly turned the page after Saturday's defeat against Osasuna with a 'little hand' against a weak Swiss team that only crossed into the opposite field a couple of times. For Barça, in addition to the win, there were reasons to celebrate after the return of Frenkie de Jong, who reappeared 163 days after injuring his right ankle in the last Clásico of last season against Real Madrid.

The Montjuïc stands did their homework with a loud ovation to receive Arkel's player, who came on for Lamine Yamal in the 75th minute. The midfielder only failed a couple of passes in 19 attempts (89%), with one ball recovered and passes in the last third in the quarter of an hour he played. The '21' seemed quite loose, although it was his first minutes in almost five and a half months, since he had not entered the field since April 21.

Frenkie, happy for his return and optimistic for the rest of the season

After the game, Frenkie thanked the Barça fans for their support and was happy to return to action after a very difficult summer physically. "Very happy for the victory and, personally, for returning to the field and playing football. The fans have also applauded me and I am very grateful for that. A happy night," De Jong told 'Movistar' in the mixed zone. Regarding the victory, Arkel is confident that the team will continue to show its best face in the coming weeks.

"We are in a good moment from the beginning, with a lot of energy and dynamism. We have to continue like this, improving," he explained. And, regarding his physical condition, he made it clear how complicated the last few months were for him. "When you are injured you always have a hard time and it has been a long time, a hard process and I have had a hard time at times," said the '21'. With the Dutchman back, Hansi Flick recovers a very important piece for a midfield hit by injuries. Without Marc Bernal, the '21' must assume leadership in the recovery zone together with Marc Casadó.

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