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

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

The midfielder could, however, be included in Barcelona’s squad for next weekend’s match against Real Betis, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Barcelona began preparations for the second-round league-phase fixture on Sunday after a deserved La Liga victory over Getafe. Players who started against Jose Bordalas’ side completed recovery work, while the rest of the squad trained more intensively.

De Jong was among those taking part in the more demanding session as he continued his rehabilitation programme. The Netherlands international is feeling an improvement in his condition, but his absence from the match against Galatasaray has been confirmed.

His potential return to the squad for the Real Betis game will depend on his progress over the coming days.

Barcelona’s players have already been given details of their travel arrangements for the long journey to Turkey. Hansi Flick’s squad will have to start Monday early, with the club’s private flight to Istanbul scheduled to leave Barcelona Airport at 09:40.

The players are due to report to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper one hour before departure. Barcelona president Joan Laporta will lead the travelling delegation.

Once in Turkey, Barcelona will train at Galatasaray’s stadium at approximately 18:30 local time. Flick will speak to the media before the session.

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