Frenkie de Jong situation 'doesn't look good' after £60m Tottenham transfer claim

Frenkie de Jong suffered an injury as Barcelona's La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao ended in a goalless draw, leaving them third in the league. De Jong, 26, has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Playing after Girona's 1-0 loss at Mallorca, Barcelona couldn't take advantage of the situation to climb up the table. They are now eight points behind leaders Real Madrid and one point behind second-placed Girona.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Real Betis, and Villarreal thrashed Granada 5-1. Netherlands international De Jong was taken off on a stretcher in the 26th minute.

The midfielder has previously missed almost three months of the campaign through injury. A sprained ankle kept De Jong sidelined for two months in August before a muscle issue ruled him out for three weeks earlier this year.

It was claimed in February by Spanish media that Spurs are interested in a £60million deal for De Jong. The Barca player has previously been a target for Manchester United, having played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.

Barcelona manager Xavi gave an update on De Jong and his teammate Pedri, who also had to be taken off. «The injuries affected the team because Frenkie and Pedri are two important players for how we want to play,» Xavi said in his press conference.

Daniel Levy's special guest for Tottenham win, Sarr discomfort and what Son told Brennan Johnson

Tottenham player ratings vs Crystal Palace — Johnson impact as Werner, Romero and Son score

«Pedri's been coming good again [after his last injury], he trained really well this week. It's such a shame. Frenkie, too. He is heavily involved in our play. They are two big losses.

»It doesn't look good. We missed them today and we are going to miss them.