Barcelona have confirmed that Frenkie de Jong is facing a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.
The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes of Barcelona's 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the league last weekend, but he did not link up with the Netherlands squad for their Euro 2024 qualification games against France and Gibraltar due to soreness in his hamstring.
Initially, it had been thought that the midfielder was being rested, with Barcelona expected to have him back against Elche in La Liga next weekend.
However, Xavi's side are now likely to be without the midfielder for at least the next couple of weeks due to the hamstring injury that he picked up in El Clasico.
"Tests carried out today have shown that Frenkie de Jong has a right hamstring injury. He is out, and his recovery will determine his availability," read a club statement on Friday.
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According to journalist Javi Miguel, the injury has made the midfielder a major doubt for Barcelona's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg with Real Madrid on April 5.
The Catalan outfit moved 12 points clear at the top of the La Liga table when they beat Real Madrid last weekend, but Pedri and Ousmane Dembele are still struggling to recover from hamstring issues, while Andreas Christensen is now facing a month out with the calf issue that he picked up while representing Denmark.
Ronald Araujo also suffered an adductor injury against Real Madrid last time out, but the Uruguay international is being tipped to return against Elche.
De Jong was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United during last summer's transfer window, and he struggled to secure regular starts in the early stages of this campaign.
However, the midfielder has been a key player in recent months, featuring on 34 occasions in all competitions this season, scoring twice and registering one assist.
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De Jong's future has again been called into question in recent weeks, with Man United thought to be planning to reignite their interest in the upcoming market.
Barcelona's financial problems could lead to them making a major sale this summer, particularly if they wish to re-sign Lionel Messi on a free transfer.
However, De Jong again ruled out a summer exit when directly asked about the interest from Man United following El Clasico last time out.
"No, I don't think so (whether he would move to Old Trafford). You never know with the future, but I am happy at Barcelona," he told reporters.
Raphinha will also be missing for Barcelona against Elche due to the yellow card that the Brazil international picked up against Real Madrid.
Matt Law
