Barcelona face Frenkie de Jong injury fear after midfielder misses training in El Clasico build up

Just days before the season’s first Clasico, Barcelona’s midfield balance was thrown into uncertainty when De Jong missed Thursday’s training session with gastroenteritis. According to AS, the Dutchman, who was expected to start alongside Pedri and Fermin Lopez, is being monitored closely but remains doubtful for Sunday’s trip to the Bernabeu. Christensen also sat out training with the same illness, having already missed the Olympiacos clash earlier in the week.

For coach Flick, the timing could not be worse. De Jong’s composure and distribution are crucial to maintaining rhythm against Madrid’s relentless press, and Christensen’s absence weakens an already stretched defensive line. Yet amid the setbacks, there was a glimmer of good news, Raphinha’s recovery is progressing well, and he is expected to be cleared to travel to Madrid. Torres, now fully fit from a hamstring issue, could even start, offering the Blaugrana a much-needed attacking option.

Barcelona’s injury issues have dominated Flick’s press conferences in recent weeks. Speaking ahead of the Olympiacos tie, the German tactician admitted his squad’s condition has been “difficult,” but praised Marcus Rashford’s adaptability in filling the attacking gaps. “Rashford is a good option as a No. 9, but he can also play as an 11,” said Flick. “He’s improved a lot in recent weeks, he gives us many positives, and it’s great to have him in our team.” The confidence and trust translated on the pitch with the English forward scoring two goals in the Champions League fixture, further cementing Flick's trust in him.

With Raphinha and Torres returning only gradually, Dani Olmo sidelined with a calf strain, and Lamine Yamal not long back from injury, Flick’s rotation options are thin. His frustration with the Spanish Football Federation’s player management has also been evident, after several internationals reportedly trained despite discomfort. On top of the fitness concerns, Flick faces a touchline ban after his red card against Girona for protesting stoppage time.

With senior players unavailable, Barcelona’s reliance on youth has deepened. Flick has promoted seven Barca Atletic players to first-team training. The return of 18-year-old Yamal offers a crucial spark. In his 75 minutes cameo against Greek side Olympiacos, the Spaniard scored a goal and provided an assist. Lopez also showed impeccable promise, netting a hat-trick for Barca for the first time.

Cubarsi spoke about tactical tweaks designed to contain Real’s forward line. “Everyone knows who Mbappe is,” he said. “We’ve tweaked four things, and it has to go well for us. We’ll have to stop him in the best way possible, but we must focus on ourselves.” On Vinicius, he added: “He’s an agile, quick striker who moves into space. We have to be very alert at the back.”

Despite losing to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla earlier this month, Barcelona responded with wins against Girona and Olympiacos, performances that restored belief. Flick’s players insist that their identity remains intact, but execution must improve. As Cubarsi put it: “We’re all at a spectacular level. With this season’s centre-backs, we can achieve great things.”

While Barcelona fight injuries, Los Blancos prepare from a position of strength. Xabi Alonso’s side leads La Liga with 24 points, powered by the league’s most lethal front line. Mbappe’s 10 goals in nine matches have redefined Madrid’s attack, while his partnership with Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler has added unpredictability and pace. However, there are reports of lack of leadership in the team, with Alonso still figuring out how to bring out the elite mentality and the sense of commitment out of his players. Aside, from these issues, centre-back David Alaba, right-back Dani Carvajal and Trent-Alexander Arnold are all sidelined for the Clasico.

For Flick and Barcelona, the path is steep. De Jong’s recovery, Christensen’s fitness, and Raphinha’s readiness could all dictate the rhythm of Sunday’s battle. But amid uncertainty, there is conviction, Blaugrana believe that identity and collective discipline, not individual brilliance, will decide the Clasico.