Injury update: Barcelona midfield ace joins group training and is ‘99% ready for PSG’

According to an update issued by SPORT, Barcelona midfield stalwart Frenkie de Jong attended half of team training today. The club did not announce this despite reports earlier this week claiming that his return vs PSG would be difficult.

Pedri and de Jong had picked up an injury against Athletic Club early in March, and were ruled out for a few weeks each, with the Spaniard’s injury claimed to be much more serious.

Neither player was expected back for the first leg until there were reports claiming that both of them will be in the travelling squad to Paris. This changed recently when an update suggested the club is not willing to risk the duo for the first leg.

Who will join de Jong in midfield?

Xavi had opted to use Sergi Roberto and Fermin Lopez alongside Ilkay Gundogan as his midfield in the absence of de Jong and Pedri. Both players have done well, with impressive performances against Atletico Madrid and Las Palmas.

Fermin was on target vs Atletico. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

However, one of the two is expected to drop out, with Andreas Christensen expected to back in time for the game.

The Dane will likely start as the holding midfielder, with Gundogan in an advanced role. And if de Jong is 100% fit, he could slot in as the third man in this team.

Otherwise, history suggests Roberto will start over Fermin to round off the midfield.

What about Pedri?

Unlike de Jong, Pedri might not make it back in time for the first leg against PSG. His injury was always said to be more serious, with the player also more reluctant to being on the sidelines.

Even if he is back in team training ahead of the game, Barcelona are not expected to risk him for the game at Parc des Princes. He will likely be present in the second leg at the Olympic Saint Montjuic stadium.