Frenkie de Jong faces setback in Barcelona injury recovery

FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is facing setbacks in his recovery from a right knee ligament injury sustained during the World Cup. Although he attempted to return to training recently, he reported continued pain, particularly when braking, leading the technical staff to conclude that a return to competitive play remains a distant prospect.

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, who has been appointed as the new manager of the Netherlands national team, has expressed concern regarding De Jong’s slow progress. While De Jong remains confident that conservative treatment will suffice and hopes to avoid surgery, the lack of improvement means surgery remains a possibility, which would result in a much longer absence.

The injury has significant implications for De Jong’s standing at Barcelona. With the club having signed Rodri from Manchester City, De Jong faces increased competition to reclaim his position in the starting lineup once he is fit.