Frenkie de Jong's injury takes its toll on Barcelona's title hopes
The absence of the Dutch midfielder has coincided with three draws in four games
Even Frenkie de Jong recognises that his first season at Barcelona has not been as spectacular as his last year was with Ajax.
However, even so, the Dutch midfielder has made his enormous talent clear and has become a key part of the side -- both under Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien.
Having played over 3,000 minutes of football this season, De Jong is Barça's most used footballer -- even ahead of Sergio Busquets (2,876 minutes).
The former Ajax man has alternated between excellent performances and more standard ones, but it will be viewed as a decent adaption season.
Proof of his importance to the side already can be seen in Barça's results and performances since he got injured earlier this month in the win at Mallorca.
Barcelona have won just one of their last three games since he was ruled out with a calf problem, drawing with Sevilla, Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid.
Keeping in mind how tough it will not be to win the league -- Madrid can go four clear with a win over Getafe on Thursday -- it remains to be seen if Barça will rush him back or turn their attention to the Champions League in August.
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