{
  "id": 15374440,
  "title": "De Jong could return savior as Barcelona face a major selection dilemma ahead of PSG clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/de-jong-could-return-savior-as-barcelona-face-a-major-selection",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-18T07:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jong-could-return-savior-barcelona-072000687.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Barcelona are facing a major selection dilemma as they prepare to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. After a 5-2 win against Real Betis, three of their defenders – Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, and Jules Kounde – suffered fresh injuries and are now doubtful for the upcoming match. This leaves coach Hansi Flick with a tough decision on his hands.\n\nFlick could turn Frenkie de Jong into a makeshift centre-back, as the Dutch midfielder is being trialed in that role following his long injury layoff. De Jong has played centre-back during his time at Ajax and Barcelona under Ronald Koeman, so he could be a viable solution. If Garcia, Martin, and Kounde all miss out, de Jong could start alongside Pau Cubarsi in the four-man backline. However, Barcelona must consider the risk of a direct return to the starting lineup in a new role.\n\nFlick also has other options, such as relying on academy talents Alex Campos and Landry Farre. These young players have stepped up for Barcelona in the past, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Flick opt for them. However, the most likely scenario may be that Martin returns for the PSG clash despite his knock in the Real Betis game. Garcia and Kounde's availability remains uncertain, but it is unlikely that all three defenders will be unavailable for the match. In that case, de Jong or one of the La Masia talents would be available as alternatives for Flick.",
  "summary": "After a gruelling 5-2 win against Real Betis at La Cartuja, Barcelona are now gearing up for an important week, with the Catalans slated to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in midweek....",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}