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Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong is yet to return to fitness, having been injured for nearly five months, but he has decided against surgery. As per recent reports, the midfielder does not trust the club's medical services.
De Jong has been out for approximately 141 days, since El Clasico on April 22 when Barca faced Real Madrid and lost 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The midfielder had to be taken off on a stretcher after a crunching tackle from Federico Valverde, but he had hoped to return from injury within weeks.
He was looking to play for the Netherlands in Euro 2024, even giving an interview where he spoke about his plans to be a part of the squad. However, this did not happen, as he was ruled out, with Ons Oranje head coach Ronald Koeman openly blaming Barcelona for his absence.
After he also failed to be fully fit for the start of the season, a recent report revealed that he would be available after the international break in early September. However, with club football set to return this weekend (September 14), Frenkie de Jong is not ready to play for Barcelona just yet.
Surgery has been raised as an option for the Dutch midfielder, as it could eradicate the ankle concerns that he has struggled with. Notably, De Jong suffered three ankle injuries last season. However, he has reportedly rejected this because he is not convinced that surgery would ensure his full fitness.
According to a new report from journalist Miguel Rico (via Barca Universal), he does not trust the medical staff at Barcelona and has no faith in their services. This is reportedly due to their decision to let him play, although his previous ankle injury had not fully healed.
It is uncertain when Frenkie de Jong will return to training with the first team. It is also uncertain when he will return to the starting lineup at the Nou Camp.
Pedri reveals Hansi Flick's demand on Barcelona players
Frenkie de Jong has not particularly been missed by Barcelona this season. The Catalan giants have started La Liga in brilliant form, winning all the four games they have played. So far, the highlight has been their 7-0 win over Real Valladolid on August 31, just ahead of the international break.
Much of the praise will go to Hansi Flick, who took over the helm during the summer after the decision to sack Xavi Hernandez. During the international break, midfielder Pedri revealed Flick's demands, telling Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Blaugranes):
“We are working much harder at the club than before. I think the physical trainers who have come in are doing us a lot of good. We work very hard and that shows in the game. The team doesn’t let up after the 70th or 80th minute, but rather maintains its physical level.”
Barcelona will hope they can continue this brilliant run of form, as they look to secure the La Liga title this season.
