De Jong chooses a bad day to return

De Jong made his season debut in the 74th minute of El Clásico as Barcelona drew 1-1 with Real Madrid, his first appearance after missing 12 games with a knee injury.

Frenkie de Jong returned to action in Barcelona's El Clásico against Real Madrid on 25 October, entering the pitch in the 74th minute as a substitute for Fermín López. The match was level at 1-1, with Mbappé having given Real Madrid the lead before Raphinha equalized in the second half.

De Jong had been sidelined since suffering a serious knee injury while playing for the Netherlands at the World Cup. Barcelona cleared him to return on 16 October, but he remained on the bench for matches against Betis and PSG before finally getting minutes in the Clásico. Manager Hansi Flick deployed him in the attacking midfield role, and the Dutch midfielder showed eagerness to make an impact, actively seeking the ball.