De Jong Still Awaiting Clearance for Barcelona’s Betis Test
Barcelona’s congested October schedule gives Hansi Flick a reason to welcome progress in midfield, but Frenkie de Jong’s return to training does not yet mean he is ready to play. The midfielder has rejoined group work and could come into contention for Saturday’s LaLiga meeting with Real Betis, subject to medical clearance and his response to training.
De Jong had taken part in team sessions before the latest update, and El Periódico reported that he completed Thursday’s training on October 15 with the group. The report said he had not yet received medical clearance, leaving his status for the Betis match unconfirmed. Barcelona’s injury picture has therefore improved without yet providing a definite return date for the midfielder.
Earlier, beIN SPORTS reported on October 11 that De Jong had joined the players who did not start the 3-0 win over Getafe in a session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The report also said he had completed additional sessions with the squad in the days before that training. At that point, Barcelona had not confirmed when he would return to competitive action.
The steps have been gradual. During the October 11 update, the coaching staff was said to be prioritising a careful build-up of match fitness rather than rushing De Jong back and risking a setback. His return matters because, as beIN SPORTS noted, he can help Barcelona progress attacks from deep, find solutions under pressure and provide balance in midfield; his return to training is progress, not confirmation of selection.
Hansi Flick had previously indicated that the Betis fixture might be an opportunity to include De Jong, while stressing that the club needed to wait. Mundo Deportivo reported on October 9 that the coach described the midfielder as pain-free but not yet ready for the Getafe or Galatasaray matches. El Periódico’s later report said De Jong still lacked medical clearance, despite the completed group session.
Barcelona’s schedule adds urgency to the decision: Betis on October 17 is followed by Paris Saint-Germain on October 20 and Real Madrid on October 25. Raphinha, who had missed the Galatasaray trip with a muscle injury, also trained on October 15, according to El Periódico. The next step for De Jong is whether he completes the remaining fitness and medical checks in time to be considered for Betis.
