Barcelona are set to take on Young Boys in their second UEFA Champions League clash later tonight in what is virtually a must-win game after their defeat to Monaco last month.
The game, however, is also special as it marks the return of Frenkie de Jong to the squad after a hiatus of over five months.
The midfield star was ruled out in late April with an ankle injury, one that was expected to keep him out of action for six to eight weeks.
His recovery progressed slower than usual and the deadline for his return was continually postponed. Now, just under six months later, he is back in the squad for the first time.
Barcelona’s message to De Jong
With the team’s game against Young Boys set to kick off in just over an hour, Barcelona have announced the return of the captain with a special message welcoming him to the new season after his long stint on the sidelines.
“We missed you, captain,” the club’s official social media message reads.
Alongside the aforementioned caption, the Catalan club have posted an image of De Jong’s folded jersey in the dressing room with the captain’s armband placed on it.
The Dutchman serves as Barcelona’s third captain this season with only Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo above him on the pecking order.
With both players out through injury, he is thus the first captain of the squad at present.
As the midfield star is starting on the bench, Raphinha will begin with the captain’s armband on the night. Whenever the Dutchman comes on, however, he will take over the captaincy and look to lead from the front after his prolonged hiatus.