The Uncertain Road to Recovery for Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong, the talented midfielder for Barcelona, has been battling with an ankle injury since April, missing out on the European Championship with the Netherlands. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick expressed optimism about de Jong’s recovery two weeks ago, but recent reports suggest that his return to the pitch is still uncertain.
De Jong’s absence has become even more crucial for Barcelona following the season-ending injury to Marc Bernal and the lack of signings in the holding midfield position. With limited options available, Barcelona is eagerly awaiting de Jong’s return. However, it seems that the midfielder is no closer to resuming training with his teammates.
According to sources within the dressing room, de Jong was still experiencing pain a few weeks ago and did not feel ready to play. As a result, it is highly unlikely that he will be available for Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga game against Girona.
De Jong’s injury woes began in September 2023 when he injured his ankle, causing him to miss 14 games. He suffered another ankle injury in March 2024 during a Copa del Rey match against Athletic Bilbao. Despite his quick recovery, de Jong’s most significant setback occurred in April 2024 during the La Liga Clasico against Real Madrid. The midfielder’s ankle twisted awkwardly after a challenge from Federico Valverde, resulting in a sprain.
Barcelona has not set a specific return date for de Jong, leaving fans and even some within the club puzzled about the situation. The club has suggested that de Jong undergo surgery, which senior sources believe would be the best option. However, de Jong is hesitant about surgery as there is no guarantee that it would solve his ankle problems. Instead, he prefers a conservative treatment approach, working closely with the club’s physiotherapists in the hopes that the pain will eventually subside.
If de Jong were to undergo surgery, it would likely keep him sidelined for several more months, potentially until 2025. This would coincide with the final 18 months of his contract, which expires in 2026. It is worth noting that Barcelona has attempted to sell de Jong on multiple occasions, but the midfielder’s desire to stay at the club has prevailed.
De Jong’s current contract makes him the second-highest earner at Barcelona, just behind Robert Lewandowski. Reports suggest that his deal will cost the club more than €20 million ($22 million; £17 million) this season. The failure to make progress on a potential contract extension puts Barcelona in a weak negotiating position, especially if de Jong’s situation does not improve.
The uncertainty surrounding de Jong’s recovery has put both the player and the club at a crossroads. Barcelona is in desperate need of de Jong’s influence in midfield, but his return remains uncertain. As a result, the club may face the risk of losing one of their highest-valued assets on a free transfer in 2026.
In conclusion, Frenkie de Jong’s road to recovery has been full of setbacks and uncertainty. Barcelona is eagerly awaiting his return, but it is unclear when he will be able to resume training with his teammates. The midfielder’s hesitance to undergo surgery has left the club in a weak negotiating position, potentially jeopardizing his future at Barcelona. As fans eagerly await de Jong’s return, the club must navigate this challenging situation and find a resolution that benefits both parties.