Frenkie de Jong returned to Barcelona training on Thursday morning and looks set to face Real Betis on Saturday in La Liga.
The Dutchman missed the win over Atletico Madrid in midweek due to a fever but has recovered and should be in the squad for Barca’s next match.
De Jong’s return will be a boost for Hansi Flick who saw Dani Olmo become the latest player to succumb to injury. The Spain star has been ruled out for a month after suffering a dislocated shoulder against Atletico.
The Dutchman is therefore expected to return to the starting XI and feature alongside Pedri against Betis. Pedri was taken off against Atletico but reassured fans he was fine after the game.
Elsewhere, Fermin Lopez is closing in on a return from injury, and participated in some of Thursday’s session, but it’s thought Saturday’s game will come to soon for the 22-year-old.
Lopez could be available for next week’s Champions League game against Eintracht Frankfurt in what is their final European match of the calendar year.
Barca then finish off December with La Liga fixtures against Osasuna and Villarreal.
