Frenkie de Jong does not train and will miss the Copa del Rey clásico
The Dutch midfielder had an outside chance of playing but will not be forced
There has been no miracle. As expected, Xavi will not be able to count on Frenkie de Jong in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid on Wendesday at Spotify Camp Nou.
The Dutchman did not train with his teammates in the last training session before the match. He has remained in the gym doing recovery work, completely ruling out his presence in the match against Real Madrid.
De Jong was injured in the LaLiga clásico on 19 March. He did not play for his national team and medical tests confirmed an injury to the biceps femoris in his right thigh.
The club did not specify the recovery time, but it was estimated that the midfielder would be out for around three weeks.
De Jong was not likely to make Wednesday's game, but the club remained hopeful of recovery and even considered forcing the player if there was any chance of being fielded without pain. The discomfort, however, has persisted and he has finally been ruled out.
KESSIE
It's bad news for Xavi, who already has three other important absentees in Christensen, Pedri and Dembélé. Without De Jong, Barça will lose control in midfield and a very important part of the team. Xavi will have to go for Kessie or vary his plan and play with a third striker, either Ferran Torres or Ansu Fati.
