De Jong has resumed training after injury: should you include him in your fantasy lineup?
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is training with the team again after his injury – is he ready to help in the Champions League Fantasy?
Frenkie de Jong held a training session together with Barcelona's first team for the first time in almost four months.
The midfielder suffered damage to the internal lateral ligament of his right knee during the 2026 World Cup. After the injury, de Jong decided to forego surgery and chose a conservative treatment method. The Dutchman's recovery progressed gradually. Until recently the player was still working on an individual program, but now he has been allowed to join the team's regular training.
At the same time, Barcelona does not intend to rush the player's return to the pitch. The club wants to give de Jong enough time for full recovery and to avoid a relapse after a prolonged period without match practice.
Therefore, when it comes to this player's prospects and his selection in the Champions League Fantasy, there is no need to rush. Most likely, the coaching staff will not trust the Dutch midfielder with a starting spot in the upcoming round, in which Barcelona will play Galatasaray in Turkey on October 13. However, for the third round and the away match against PSG on October 20, Fantasy “managers” may already turn their attention to the creative midfielder of the Blaugrana.
It should also be noted that Barça has concerns about the health of another star – Brazilian Raphinha, who was injured in an international match in October.