Overview
- Barcelona said tests showed an injury to the distal biceps femoris in De Jong’s right leg sustained in Thursday’s training session.
- The recovery window rules him out of both Champions League last-16 legs, the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid, and league games against Villarreal, Athletic Club, Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano.
- Initial reports suggested a three-to-four-week absence, but the confirmed medical assessment extended the estimate to five to six weeks.
- Hansi Flick urged optimism, calling the setback a chance for others to step in, with options cited including Pedri, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo and potentially Eric García.
- Coverage indicates he is also likely to miss the Netherlands’ upcoming friendlies, and local reports say academy midfielder Tommy Marques is in line for a Villarreal squad call-up.