Setien explains De Jong substitution after Mallorca win

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The midfielder asked to come off

Quique Setien explained that he took Frenkie de Jong off against Real Mallorca because the midfielder asked to be replaced but has played down fears he’s suffered an injury.

The Netherlands international was taken off with just six minutes remaining and replaced by Junior Firpo as Barca cruised to a 4-0 win.

Setien spoke about De Jong after the game but suggested the midfielder’s problem wasn’t too serious.

“The result has made it easier for us and we have done more or less what we wanted to do, except the last change of Frenkie de Jong, who has asked for the replacement when we had thought of another.

“He had some discomfort that I hope is nothing. I want people to be fresh and that will help us because the level that I have in the squad will allow it.

“Some will rotate less, but with games so close, everyone will rotate and that will give us the ideal freshness. All the players are fundamental and competitive.”

De Jong and Barcelona don’t have too much time to recover. They play Leganes on Tuesday at Camp Nou and head to Sevilla on Friday.

Source: barcablaugranes.com