Despite being expected to start against Sevilla, Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong was left on the bench due to not feeling fully fit. This comes after being out for five months with an ankle injury. While he is expected to play against Bayern Munich, manager Hansi Flick did not confirm whether de Jong will be a starter or a substitute.
Bayern Munich's Preparation for Sevilla Clash Raises Questions about Frenkie de Jong's Role
Despite expectations that he would start against Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup, Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong was surprisingly left on the bench due to concerns over his fitness. The decision has sparked questions about his availability for Bayern Munich's upcoming Champions League semi-final second leg.
Background
De Jong has been out of action for five months after suffering a serious ankle injury in March. His recovery has been closely monitored by both Barcelona and the Netherlands national team, who have been eager to have him back in their starting lineups.
De Jong's Readiness
While de Jong has been training with the team, manager Hansi Flick has expressed cautious optimism about his readiness for the match against Sevilla.
"Frenkie is not yet 100% fit," Flick said in a pre-match press conference. "We will have to wait and see if he is ready to start or if he will be a substitute."
Implications for Bayern Munich
De Jong's absence from the starting lineup against Sevilla has highlighted the depth of Bayern Munich's squad. Despite his importance to the team, the German champions have a number of other talented midfielders who can fill his role.
However, if de Jong is not fully fit for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona, it could be a significant blow to Bayern's hopes of reaching the final.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: Why was de Jong left on the bench against Sevilla? A1: He was not fully fit after recovering from an ankle injury.
Q2: Will de Jong start against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final? A2: Manager Hansi Flick has not confirmed whether de Jong will be a starter or a substitute.
Q3: How long has de Jong been out injured? A3: He has been out for five months.
Q4: What is the extent of de Jong's injury? A4: He suffered a serious ankle injury in March.
Q5: How important is de Jong to Bayern Munich? A5: He is a key player in Bayern's midfield and his absence could be a significant blow to their hopes of winning the Champions League.
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