Hansi Flick comments on Frenkie de Jong: ‘We still need to talk about that’

Atlético Madrid host FC Barcelona in a major LaLiga clash on Sunday evening, and Frenkie de Jong could start again.

Rodri's injury has left Hansi Flick with a midfield puzzle to solve. De Jong could return to the position after a long spell out with a knee injury.

Two weeks ago, De Jong made his Barça comeback as a midfielder in the Clásico against Real Madrid. He returned to the starting XI against Deportivo Alavés last week, this time at centre-back. Against Aston Villa in the Champions League this week, he had to settle for twenty minutes.

With Rodri out for several weeks with a hamstring injury, De Jong could start in midfield on Sunday. "I haven't decided yet who will start alongside Pedri," Flick revealed at the press conference ahead of the clash with Atlético.

"Frenkie can play in different positions and has more experience, not just as a number six. Marc Bernal is also very good without the ball," Flick said. "I'm happy to see Frenkie back, and he gives one hundred per cent in training. But we still need to talk about it. We'll decide later."

Sunday's match could prove crucial to the Spanish title race. Barcelona and Atlético occupy the top two places in LaLiga, with just two points between them.

After the match, the next international break approaches, giving De Jong the chance to join the Netherlands squad for the first time since the World Cup. It will also reunite him with Xavi.