Why Frenkie de Jong is not in Barcelona’s squad to face Atlético Madrid

An explanation for the absence of Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong from the club’s latest matchday squad has been forthcoming online.

This comes amid confirmation that the Dutchman is dealing with a bout of illness.

Barcelona are of course primed to return to action in short order, in a La Liga showdown with Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid.

The matchup marks a crucial one in the ongoing race for supremacy in Spain’s top-flight, with the two sides currently separated by just three points.

In turn, it came as a source of concern for all of a Barca persuasion when, upon the club’s matchday squad being unveiled, midfield standout Frenkie de Jong was nowhere to be seen.

And as alluded to above, an explanation as to why has since followed…

As per a statement across the Blaugrana’s official social media platforms:

‘Frenkie de Jong will be out for the match against Atlético de Madrid due to a fever process.’

Conor Laird – GSFN