Birmingham, United Kingdom - July 31: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona before the during the pre-season friendly match between Birmingham City and FC Barcelona at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on July 31, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Gill Clark Gill Clark is the site manager of Barca Blaugranes and joined in 2017. She has worked in sports media as a writer and editor for the best part of two decades and has been in love with the beautiful game for as long as she can remember.
Frenkie de Jong remains on the sidelines for Barcelona and the word is that little progress has been made on his recovery from a knee ligament injury.
The Dutchman did test out his knee at the training ground last week but was still in pain. Hansi Flick was then asked about the midfielder but gave little away.
“First of all, it’s important that we go day by day. He’s getting a little better,” he told reporters before Barcelona’s clash with Rayo Vallecano.
According to AS, De Jong is now at a “crossroads” as he’s been undergoing conservative treatment for six weeks and there has been little improvement.
Barcelona are said to still be urging De Jong to go under the knife, but he has decided he wants to exhaust all other options before choosing surgery.
If De Jong does ultimately opt for surgery, it’s expected he will be out for another five or six months.
The report adds that a decision may be made after the international break and highlights that if De Jong goes under the knife at the end of September, he’s unlikely to return until April.
Barcelona, meanwhile, aren’t short of options in the meantime. Rodri has been signed from Manchester City, while Brian Farinas has been promoted to the first-team and handed the No. 4 shirt.