Frankie de Jong will miss Barcelona’s clash with Alaves at Camp Nou on Saturday after being left out of the squad by Hansi Flick.
The Dutchman had been expected to start the game but was a surprise omission seemingly at the last minute. Marc Bernal will take over in midfield and make his first start of the season.
There’s been no official word on why De Jong is missing today, but multiple outlets are reporting it’s for “family reasons” and not due to injury.
Hansi Flick was asked before the game about De Jong and told DAZN: “De Jong is out due to a personal matter.”
Barcelona also passed Pedri fit for the game after injury, while Ronald Araujo misses out due to a stomach virus.
Flick’s side head into the game aiming to bounce back from defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League in midweek.
The hosts also know that a win will take them top of the table for now. Real Madrid are in La Liga action on Sunday against Girona
