LALIGA
Barcelona concern over Frenkie de Jong injury: when will he be back playing?
The Dutch midfielder hasn’t featured for Barça since the end of September because of an ankle issue, missing El Clásico in the process.
Every time he speaks to the media, Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández knows he’ll be asked at least one question about Frenkie de Jong. The midfielder has proven himself to be a key figure for the Catalans, which means his fitness issues have become a source of concern for everyone connected with the club. Unfortunately, however, there appear to be more questions than answers about he will be back playing.
De Jong tried and failed to face Real Madrid and Real Sociead
De Jong had originally looked to return in time for El Clásico against Real Madrid on 31 October but was forced to admit defeat despite twice taking pain-killing injections in the hope of playing. Barça’s medical staff also urged caution, insisting that the specific type of ankle injury he has been struggling with can be especially troublesome.
The Dutchman tried again before Saturday’s game at Real Sociedad, doing some training with the rest of the squad on Wednesday and Thursday. Once more, he didn’t feel entirely comfortable, with yet more pain-killing injections ruled out this time.
When will de Jong next play for Barcelona?
Things aren’t exactly looking positive for de Jong on the recovery front, which means it looks highly unlikely he will be involved in Tuesday’s Champions League game away to Shakhtar Donetsk or even the next LaLiga fixture at home to Alavés, which will be played on Sunday 12 November.
Should he ultimately miss those matches, he will also sit out the Netherlands’ two Euro 2024 qualifiers during the upcoming international break. Barcelona’s next game after that will see them travel to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday 25 November, which may be a more realistic target for his return.
Barça dependent on Dutch midfielder
Although La Blaugrana have lost only once - to Madrid - without de Jong, their performances have dipped in his absence, with his ability to control possession and break opposition lines sorely missed.
Barça have their fingers crossed that the midfielder, who is about to become a father for the first time, will finally be able to put his injury problems behind him sooner rather than later. Two pieces of good news would put a big smile on de Jong, Xavi and everyone else at the club’s faces.