Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has admitted Frenkie de Jong suffered an injury issue in training, sparking fears of a setback for the Dutch midfielder.

De Jong went down with an ankle injury in April and only made his comeback earlier this month, playing a total of 24 minutes before October’s international break, for which he was not called up by the Netherlands to let him recover.

Ahead of Sunday’s visit from Sevilla, Flick confessed he was hoping to start De Jong before the Dutch midfielder had to limp out of training.

“He felt some discomfort, he started with the group but then he went to the sidelines,” Flick revealed. “I wanted to make him play as a starter, but we’ll see.”

AS state De Jong’s latest issue is not related to his ankle problem and is simply a minor muscle complaint which left many at the club fearful he would not even be able to make the squad against Sevilla.

The Dutchman was eventually included in Barcelona’s matchday squad, although just how healthy he is remains to be seen.

Barcelona also confirmed the long-awaited return of Gavi, 348 days after his horror knee injury with Spain in November 2023. He has been included in the matchday squad alongside Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal.

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