Frenkie de Jong will miss Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 clash against Galatasaray on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as the Dutch midfielder continues recovering from a right knee injury.
Barcelona will face Galatasaray in Istanbul without one of their most experienced midfielders, leaving manager Hansi Flick to adjust his lineup for the important European encounter.
De Jong has been sidelined since the summer with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury and has yet to receive medical clearance to return to competitive action.
Why Is Frenkie de Jong Not Playing Against Galatasaray?
Frenkie de Jong is unavailable for Barcelona’s Champions League match against Galatasaray because he is still recovering from a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear in his right knee.
The Dutch international suffered the injury during the summer of 2026, with Barcelona announcing his condition on July 23.
The club opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, allowing De Jong to recover through rehabilitation.
Although the midfielder recently returned to team training, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has decided against rushing him back into competitive action.
As a result, De Jong was excluded from Barcelona’s 22-man traveling squad for the Champions League fixture in Istanbul.
His absence is strictly injury-related and is not the result of a suspension or tactical decision.
When Will Frenkie de Jong Return to Barcelona?
Barcelona are hopeful that Frenkie de Jong could return as early as Saturday, October 17, 2026, when the club faces Real Betis in La Liga.
De Jong has reportedly made significant progress in his recovery and recently resumed training with his teammates.
However, his availability will depend on receiving final medical clearance.
Manager Hansi Flick is expected to evaluate De Jong’s fitness before determining whether the midfielder can return to the matchday squad.
If De Jong is unable to play against Real Betis, Barcelona’s next Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on October 20 could become another potential return date.
Neither appearance is guaranteed.
Barcelona vs. Galatasaray: Match Date, Time and Location
Here are the details for Tuesday’s Champions League encounter:
- Match: Galatasaray vs. Barcelona
- Competition: 2026-27 UEFA Champions League
- Matchday: 2
- Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Venue: RAMS Park
- Location: Istanbul, Turkey
- Frenkie de Jong Status: Out (Right Knee Injury)
Barcelona will look to secure an important Champions League result despite missing several players.
Who Will Replace Frenkie de Jong Against Galatasaray?
With Frenkie de Jong unavailable, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has several options to fill the midfield position.
Pedri is expected to play an important role in controlling possession and creating scoring opportunities.
Other midfield options include:
- Gavi: Provides energy, pressing and defensive intensity.
- Dani Olmo: Offers attacking creativity and versatility.
- Fermín López: Provides attacking movement and goal-scoring potential from midfield.
- Marc Casadó: Offers additional defensive midfield depth.
Barcelona’s midfield selection will be particularly important against a Galatasaray side playing in front of its home supporters.
De Jong’s absence could affect Barcelona’s ability to control the tempo and transition quickly between defense and attack.
Which Other Barcelona Players Are Missing Against Galatasaray?
Frenkie de Jong is not Barcelona’s only injury concern entering Tuesday’s Champions League match.
Other reported absentees include:
Raphinha: The Brazilian winger is unavailable because of injury, limiting Barcelona’s attacking options.
Andreas Christensen: The Danish defender is sidelined, reducing the team’s defensive depth.
Roony Bardghji: The young winger is also unavailable because of injury.
These absences could force Flick to make adjustments across multiple positions.
How Important Is Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona?
Frenkie de Jong remains an important part of Barcelona’s midfield because of his ability to maintain possession, progress the ball and dictate the pace of matches.
His experience in European competitions also makes him a valuable player in high-pressure Champions League fixtures.
Without De Jong, Barcelona may need to rely more heavily on Pedri and Gavi to maintain midfield control.
His eventual return would provide Flick with additional flexibility as Barcelona continues its Champions League and La Liga campaigns.
Is Frenkie de Jong Injured or Suspended?
Frenkie de Jong is injured, not suspended, for Barcelona’s Champions League match against Galatasaray on October 13.
The midfielder continues recovering from a right knee MCL injury suffered during the summer.
Barcelona’s medical staff are monitoring his rehabilitation, and the club is expected to take a cautious approach before allowing him to return.
Will Frenkie de Jong Play Against PSG in the Champions League?
Barcelona are scheduled to face Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in their next UEFA Champions League fixture.
De Jong could potentially be available for that match if he completes his rehabilitation and receives medical clearance.
However, Barcelona have not confirmed an official return date.
His participation against PSG will depend on his progress during the coming days.
Final Thoughts
Frenkie de Jong will miss Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 encounter against Galatasaray on October 13, 2026, because of an ongoing right knee injury.
The Dutch midfielder has returned to training but is not yet ready for competitive action.
Barcelona will hope to have him available for Saturday’s La Liga match against Real Betis or the upcoming Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain.
For now, Hansi Flick must navigate another important European fixture without one of his key midfielders.