Midfielder Frenkie de Jong received medical clearance on Tuesday after more than five months sidelined due to a right ankle injury. He has been included in Barcelona's squad to face Swiss side Young Boys in the Champions League.

The Dutchman, who had been training at full capacity with his teammates for several days, has fully recovered from the severe ankle sprain he sustained on April 22 during the LaLiga Clásico against Real Madrid. Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, has named De Jong in the 23-man squad for the match.

A Slow Recovery

It has been a long 163 days since De Jong's ankle gave out in last season's final Clásico against Real Madrid. During that time, he missed the European Championship with the Netherlands, as his ankle issues persisted.

Barcelona opted for a cautious approach, giving the midfielder ample time to fully recover without rushing his return. Hansi Flick also prioritized the player's health over his immediate need for De Jong's quality and experience in midfield.

Now, after gaining confidence in training, De Jong is ready to return to action and could see his first minutes in the Champions League clash against Young Boys.

With De Jong back, Barcelona's squad for the match is as follows: Iñaki Peña, Astralaga, Yaakobishvili (goalkeepers); Cubarsí, Koundé, Balde, Íñigo Martínez, Cuenca, Hector Fort, Gerard Martín, Sergi Domínguez (defenders); Pedri, Pablo Torre, Marc Casadó, De Jong, Guille Fernández (midfielders); Ferran Torres, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Pau Víctor, Lamine Yamal, and Toni Fernández (forwards).