Barcelona midfield superstar likely to be rested vs Girona due to adductor strain | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will lock horns with Girona on Sunday afternoon in La Liga, less than 72 hours after seeing off Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The 3-0 win on Thursday came at some cost for Barça as they lost Dani Olmo to an adductor injury, sidelining him for a period of three weeks.

At the same time, key midfield superstar Frenkie de Jong also had to be taken off at half-time due to some discomfort.

Frenkie de Jong to be rested?

Leading up to the game, it was believed that De Jong’s substitution was only precautionary and that he would be ready for Sunday’s showdown against Girona.

However, now, Javi Miguel of AS reports that the 27-year-old is dealing with an adductor strain as a result of which he could be rested tomorrow with an eye on the future.

Set for a rest. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

After all, Barcelona are facing a much bigger game next week as they take on Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

Having De Jong fully fit and firing for the visit to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano will be crucial, given that it is a knockout fixture.

As such, it would make sense for Hansi Flick to rest De Jong in Sunday’s Catalan derby against Girona and not risk aggravating his adductor strain.

It could leave Barça somewhat thinly stretched in midfield after all Olmo and Marc Casado are also out injured.

The Catalans still have Pedri and Gavi as options for the pivot positions while Eric Garcia could also fill in if required. Fermin Lopez and Pablo Torre, meanwhile, can cover the No. 10 position while Raphinha, too, could play in the position.