Barcelona without Frenkie de Jong in cup return against Real Madrid
NOS Football–
Frenkie de Jong is missing from FC Barcelona’s squad for the return against Real Madrid in the semifinals of the Spanish Cup tournament. The two clubs meet Wednesday night at Camp Nou. Barcelona, without the still injured De Jong, is defending a lead in front of its own crowd. Over a month ago, coach Xavi’s team won 1-0 in Madrid.
Hamstring injury
The 25-year-old De Jong suffered a hamstring injury two weeks ago, just before the international period. That happened in the closing seconds of the Clásico in the Spanish league. Barcelona then won 2-1 over Real in their own stadium and increased their lead at the head of La Liga to 12 points.
Barcelona resumed the league last Saturday with a convincing win at Elche (0-4).
Xavi is missing against Real Madrid in addition to De Jong, Pedri, Ousmane Dembélé and Andreas Christensen. The winner will meet Athletic Club or Osasuna next month in the final for the Copa del Rey.
