Rodri's injury has opened up a new scenario in Barcelona's midfield over the coming month. Barcelona were due to play Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday in La Liga, and Frenkie de Jong said after the 3-0 win over Aston Villa that he was ready to return to the starting eleven.
Midfield picture after Rodri's injury
With 945 minutes, Rodri has been the most-used midfielder under Hansi Flick this season, ahead of Fermín and Pedri. Marc Bernal now looks the natural candidate to fill the holding role, but De Jong is also putting himself forward for the responsibility.
De Jong's return
De Jong returned against Real Madrid less than two weeks before after a three-month absence with a knee injury. Following the 3-0 win over Aston Villa, he reached 300 matches in a Barcelona shirt. De Jong said: "Nothing is bothering me, I feel fine and I am motivated to start against Atlético."
How Flick has used him
Flick had not yet used De Jong in the holding role. Flick stripped De Jong of the first captain's armband and handed it to Raphinha, while choosing Pedri as second captain. Sport reported that De Jong played 82 minutes in the heart of the defence against Alavés, and 36 minutes as an advanced midfielder against Real Madrid and Aston Villa.
Flick's assessment
Flick said: "Frenkie is not 100% ready, but he is at a good level," Flick said: "This is normal after the injury. Step by step, he is an excellent player."
