The Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo' reported that the Dutch star Frenkie de Jong participated on Thursday in part of the team's training, after recovering from a biceps injury in the lower right leg that he sustained on February 26.

De Jong is expected to appear in the second half of the league match that Barcelona will play next Saturday against Espanyol at Camp Nou at 6:30 Cairo time, with the aim of regaining match rhythm before the return match against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League next Tuesday at the Metropolitano Stadium.

This development comes as good news for coach Hans Flick, who will not be able to rely on Pau Cobarsi due to suspension, nor on Raphinha due to injury, while Marc Bernal remains doubtful due to a sprain in his left ankle, making De Jong's return necessary to compensate for these absences and strengthen the midfield.

De Jong's participation is crucial for Flick, as he aims for the player to gain some time on the field before the decisive encounter against Atletico Madrid, in an attempt to reduce the 2-0 deficit from the first leg and secure the team's chance to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals.

The focus remains on fully restoring De Jong's fitness and ensuring his physical and technical readiness to provide the necessary contribution in the midfield of Barcelona, which seeks to compensate for the recent European loss and enhance its chances in local and continental competitions.