Frenkie de Jong’s return gives Hansi Flick a midfield dilemma before Atletico Madrid

Frenkie de Jong has given Hansi Flick a fresh selection decision ahead of Barcelona’s important La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid, with the club still seeking a replacement for the injured Rodri in midfield.

Rodri had played 945 minutes under Flick this season, more than any other midfielder, ahead of Fermin and Pedri. His absence over the coming month means Barcelona must reorganise a position that has been central to the German manager’s system.

Marc Bernal appears to be the natural candidate to operate as the holding midfielder. De Jong, however, is also pushing for the role as he attempts to regain his place in the starting XI.

The Netherlands international returned less than two weeks ago against Real Madrid after spending three months out with a knee injury. Tensions from the summer now appear to have eased. De Jong opted for conservative treatment, while Flick removed him as Barcelona’s first captain and appointed Raphinha instead, with Pedri becoming vice-captain.

Despite that change, De Jong remains highly regarded by Flick and is keen to re-establish himself as a regular starter.

The midfielder has yet to play as the deepest player since his return. According to Catalan newspaper Sport, he spent 82 minutes at centre-back against Alaves and played 36 minutes as an advanced midfielder against Real Madrid and Aston Villa. The publication said De Jong had “put his manager in a difficult position”.

De Jong reached 300 appearances for Barcelona during the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa and afterwards made clear that he believes he is ready to begin matches again.

“Nothing is bothering me, I feel good and I am motivated to start against Atletico,” he said.

Flick urges patience

Flick’s assessment is more cautious than the player’s confidence. The Barcelona manager praised De Jong’s ability but stressed that he still needs additional time to recover his full fitness following his long lay-off.

“Frenkie is not 100% ready, but he is at a good level,” Flick said. “That is normal after an injury. Step by step, he is an excellent player.”

Flick must therefore choose between relying on Bernal as the orthodox option at the base of midfield or accelerating De Jong’s return to full fitness and restoring him to the starting line-up.

The decision comes before Barcelona’s trip to the Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, 8 November 2026, in La Liga.