Frenkie de Jong misses Barcelona’s Galatasaray trip despite return to training

Frenkie de Jong has taken another step towards recovering from injury but will not travel with Barcelona for their Champions League meeting with Galatasaray in Turkey.

The midfielder could, however, return to Barcelona’s squad for next weekend’s match against Real Betis.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona began preparing for the second match of the league phase on Sunday, following their deserved La Liga victory over Getafe.

The players who started against Jose Bordalas’ side completed a recovery session, while the rest of the squad trained more intensively. De Jong was among those involved in the latter group.

The Netherlands international is continuing to make progress with his rehabilitation programme and is feeling an improvement in his condition. Despite his confirmed absence for the match against Galatasaray, he could be included in Hansi Flick’s squad to face Real Betis at the end of next weekend.

Barcelona have already finalised their travel arrangements for the long journey to Turkey. Flick’s players will have to get up early on Monday before boarding the club’s private flight to Istanbul.

The aircraft is scheduled to leave Barcelona Airport at 9:40am, with club president Joan Laporta set to lead the travelling delegation. The players must report to the Joan Gamper Sports City one hour before departure.

Barcelona will train at Galatasaray’s stadium at about 18:30 local time in Turkey. Flick will hold a news conference before the session.

Pau Cubarsi will join the German manager at the news conference after being rested for the victory over Getafe. He is expected to start when Barcelona return to Champions League action against Galatasaray.