Barcelona are facing an ongoing injury nightmare over midfield star Frenkie de Jong.
The Dutch international has been out of action for the La Liga giants since injuring his ankle against Real Madrid back in April.
That ended his 2023/24 campaign, and he subsequently missed out on Euro 2024, and the fitness setbacks continue.
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Despite initial optimism over him being able to link up with the squad for preseason training, he remains sidelined, and has not featured this season.
Hansi Flick offered an open ended update on his status ahead of their La Liga clash with Villarreal as the former Bayern Munich boss looks to extend his 100% league record.
As per reports from Diario AS, the club are still open to the possibility of surgery for the former Ajax playmaker, with return timetables constantly being ripped up.
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has criticised Barcelona's handling of de Jong's injury and rehabilitation as the club run short on moves.
Flick will continue to assess his options, but if de Jong remains out of action, he could dip into the January transfer market to bolster his midfield.
