Xavi Reveals Frenkie De Jong Hamstring Knock After Substitution In Valencia Win

FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez revealed news of an injury his star midfielder Frenkie de Jong has suffered, in his post-match press conference following a 1-0 win over Valencia in La Liga.

The Dutchman was substituted for Franck Kessie at half time, in what was originally claimed to be a technical decision from Xavi’s brother Oscar Hernandez by various outlets.

Oscar Hernandez led the Blaugrana due to a suspension that Xavi picked up in last Sunday’s shock defeat to Almeria.

Because of this, the legendary former number ‘6’ was made to watch the action from the Camp Nou stands and saw his 10-men team suffer on their way to three points.

Initially critical of his side’s failure to put games to bed in an immediate post-match interview, Xavi was asked about why De Jong was replaced at the interval in his post-match press conference.

“Frenkie had a hamstring problem, he was already tired from the Bernabeu,” Xavi said, in reference to Thursday’s 1-0 away victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.

“There is no injury but they are problems that could worsen, we changed him at half-time to be cautious,” he insisted.

It will now be hoped by Xavi and Culers worldwide that De Jong is indeed still match fit. If not, he is set to join a growing injury list that already includes the likes of Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, and Robert Lewandowski.

Picking up knocks at different times since the turn of 2023, the trio are said to have pencilled in March 19th’s home instalment of El Clasico against Madrid in La Liga for their return.

The fixture could well decide the title race, with Barca 10 points clear ahead of Real Madrid until Los Blancos take on Real Betis late on Sunday night.

De Jong has a full seven days to rest if required and will be badly needed for the Catalans’ next outing ahead of the mentioned Clasico.

This pits Barca against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames, in what is typically one of the toughest road matches in Spanish football played before a boisterous crowd.