According to a report by Barca Universal on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Barcelona players have reportedly been impressed by Frenkie de Jong’s physical condition and performances in training following his return from injury.

The Dutch midfielder could offer Hansi Flick a timely solution to the midfield problems that have affected the team in recent matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

According to Mundo Deportivo, De Jong has returned in excellent condition despite spending several months on the sidelines. His ability to drive forward with the ball and retain possession under pressure could help Barcelona regain control of the midfield.

The 29-year-old made his comeback during Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico. He entered the game in the 74th minute, making his first appearance of the season.

Flick introduced the Dutchman in an advanced midfield role while the score was tied at 1-1. However, De Jong is more accustomed to operating in a deeper position, where his composure and ability to evade pressure could prove valuable to the team.

His absence followed a knee injury sustained during the World Cup. De Jong had been unavailable since the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco on June 30, having struggled with the problem for approximately two weeks before the tournament ended.

His appearance against Madrid marked an important step towards regaining full match fitness. His return also gives Flick greater tactical flexibility as Barcelona seek to improve their midfield performances.

According to Mundo Deportivo, De Jong’s teammates have been particularly surprised by his sharpness and physical condition during training sessions. His ability to advance the ball from deeper positions could be crucial against opponents who press aggressively and closely mark Barcelona’s midfielders.

Flick has already acknowledged the team’s lack of freshness, particularly during the Clasico defeat. De Jong’s return could therefore provide valuable support for Pedri while giving the German coach more options in his preferred double-pivot system.

With Barcelona looking to restore greater control and energy in midfield, De Jong’s impressive recovery could provide a significant boost for Flick in the coming matches.