Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong faces long spell on sidelines due to ankle injury

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury during Sunday’s match against Athletic Club.

The Dutchman twisted his ankle following an aerial challenge, forcing him off the pitch before the half-hour mark.

As a result of the injury, de Jong is expected to miss at least four games, including matches against Real Mallorca, Napoli, and Atletico Madrid.

He is also set to be absent from international duty with the Netherlands during the upcoming break, missing friendlies against Scotland and Germany.

According to Sport, de Jong’s best-case scenario for a return would be Barcelona’s league clash with Las Palmas on March 30th.

However, it is more likely that he will be out until after the Copa del Rey final on April 6th.

If Barcelona qualifies for the Champions League quarter-finals, de Jong could be back for the first leg on April 9th or 10th, reports Sport.

Otherwise, his next probable outing would be against Cadiz away on April 13th or 14th.

Meanwhile, Barcelona also confirmed that Pedri has a right thigh injury, but no update has been provided on his recovery.