Barcelona coach pushing to start €70 million midfielder vs PSG

The fitness of Frenkie de Jong has become one of the talking points at Barcelona ahead of their crucial Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

Barça are slated to take on PSG in the first leg of the quarterfinals this Wednesday, with the club looking to gain an early advantage heading into the return leg at home.

In order to get the better of the mighty French champions, though, Barcelona would require the services of their top players. And that is where Frenkie de Jong comes into the fray.

The Dutchman has returned from his injury blues and is recovering well. This has led many to believe he will participate in the first-leg encounter against PSG, though not necessarily as a starter.

Xavi has other ideas

However, according to Diario SPORT, Xavi Hernandez’s goal is to start with Frenkie de Jong despite the fact that the midfielder has not played a minute of football since his injury on March 4.

Xavi considers de Jong one of the Barcelona midfield’s most vital cogs. He believes the Dutchman can make a difference when Barcelona take on PSG this midweek.

Keeping in mind, the Barcelona coach is desperate for de Jong to start against PSG, especially after the midfielder’s strong performances in training. He notably trained with the group on Monday.

Today is an important day

The report adds that de Jong’s fate against PSG could be decided today when the midfielder will have to go through a rigorous round of training.

Barcelona are hopeful the Dutchman can sustain a similar level of fitness, if not improve it. If he manages that, he could be poised for a start against PSG.

If not, Xavi may have to settle for a bench role for de Jong, though the Spaniard is more than likely to utilise the Dutchman’s services somewhere in the game.