Why is Frenkie de Jong Not Playing in Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid?

It's Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid in a high-octane La Liga clash on Tuesday as the Spanish champions aim to consolidate their position atop the league table with a victory. The Catalans leapfrogged Clasico rivals Real Madrid at the weekend after the Whites dropped points away to Girona while Hansi Flick's side had beaten Alaves the day before. They now lead the title race with 34 points from 14 games, one ahead of Los Blancos and three ahead of Atletico, who are in fourth. The holders will thereby come into today's fixture high on confidence but are nursing a couple of casualties at the moment, including Frenkie de Jong injury.

Is Frenkie de Jong Playing Tonight?

The Dutchman, who missed their last game against Alaves too, has a fever, as the Barca gaffer Hansi Flick revealed in a press conference, and will hence sit out of this match too. He hasn't been included in the match-day squad. De Jong's absence will be a huge loss for Barcelona, as they will have their task cut out without their midfield talisman in a vital game against Atletico Madrid.

But he isn't the only star who is unavailable today. Ronald Araujo is also set to miss because of a “private situation,” as per Flick. The Uruguayan was sent off in their 3-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona last week, but also missed their Alaves game at the weekend due to a stomach bug. The Spanish media reported that he had asked for a “mental health break.” Barcelona are also without Fermin Lopez and long-term casualties Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gavi.