Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona’s captain and midfield linchpin, was substituted in the 82nd minute of the Netherlands’ 1 – 1 draw against Poland on Thursday September 04 due to discomfort in his glutes. Manager Ronald Koeman confirmed that De Jong’s substitution was a precautionary measure to avoid further injury.
This development raises concerns about De Jong’s availability for upcoming matches, including the Netherlands’ next fixture against Lithuania and Barcelona’s upcoming games.
De Jong experienced tightness in his glutes, prompting Koeman to replace him with Quinten Timber as a precautionary measure.
“Frenkie warned us that he felt tightness in his glutes, so we didn’t take any risks,” Koeman stated, emphasizing the cautious approach to De Jong’s health.
De Jong’s potential absence could disrupt Barcelona’s team rhythm, given his pivotal role in the midfield. The club is anxiously awaiting updates on his condition, as his fitness could significantly impact their squad depth for upcoming fixtures.
Multiple experts agree that De Jong’s substitution was a prudent decision, considering his crucial role in the team. Given his history of resilience and importance in Hansi Flick’s system, De Jong’s potential absence could have significant implications for Barcelona’s performance
