Barcelona are taking no risks with Frenkie de Jong after the midfielder returned from the FIFA World Cup with discomfort in his right knee. The club is carefully assessing the Dutch international’s condition before confirming the extent of the problem, with an official medical update expected in the coming days.
League standing (final 2025 table - new season not yet under way): 1st in La Liga, 94 pts, 31W-1D-6L from 38 games, recent form LWLWW. Barça lead the table by eight points over Real Madrid and have scored 95 goals while conceding just 36 (+59 goal difference).
What happened with De Jong’s injury?
De Jong had already managed the knee issue throughout the World Cup, even wearing protection on his right knee during several matches. Upon his return to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper last Friday, the 29-year-old underwent further examinations to determine the exact nature of the problem. Rather than rushing to announce a diagnosis, the club has chosen to wait for a full evaluation before deciding on the treatment plan.
Barcelona won’t rush a player Hansi Flick sees as vital to his project. The German coach views De Jong as the ideal midfielder to anchor the team’s midfield, and his confidence has kept the Dutchman as a regular starter whenever available.
Why does this cautious approach matter for Barcelona?
The club won’t accelerate De Jong’s return during pre-season. The priority is to obtain a thorough medical assessment before making any call, even if it delays his integration into training. The medical staff and the player must agree on the information to be made public, which could come soon.
De Jong is a key piece in Flick’s plans, slotted as the base of the midfield. A prolonged absence could disrupt the team’s balance, especially at the start of a season where every detail counts. For now, Barcelona prefer to err on the side of caution.
What’s next for De Jong and the team?
Barcelona’s next fixture is scheduled for February 21, 2027 against Levante at home, a match the side will enter as league leaders. Until then, the club will closely monitor De Jong’s recovery, who remains in the assessment phase.
Barça, champions of La Liga last season with 94 points, are approaching pre-season with prudence. The health of their star players will always come first, even if it means postponing announcements or adjusting schedules. Patience, in this case, is a virtue.
