Barcelona is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with midfielder Frenkie de Jong over his management of a foot injury. The Dutch international sustained a knock and has shown no significant physical improvement, leading to tensions between the player and the club’s medical staff. This situation has become a point of contention, particularly since De Jong returned to Catalonia after the Netherlands’ World Cup exit.
The club’s medical team has expressed a preference for surgery, viewing it as the definitive solution for the underlying issue. However, De Jong has opted for a non-invasive, conservative treatment approach. This choice is expected to keep him sidelined for at least four months, with some estimates suggesting he could be out for up to half a year, depending on how his body responds to the treatment. If the conservative treatment does not lead to proper recovery, surgery remains a possibility, which would further extend his time away from the pitch, potentially for four or five months.
Injury and squad implications
The timing of this injury crisis is particularly sensitive for Barcelona, especially given their ongoing pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The Spanish international is considered a top priority to strengthen the pivot role. His potential arrival could significantly alter De Jong’s position within the squad. If Barcelona manages to navigate its Financial Fair Play constraints and secure Rodri, the midfield could face an “overbooking” situation.
Rodri’s expected arrival, following reports that he has already agreed to personal terms with the Catalan club, would introduce direct competition for De Jong, a level not seen in years. Rodri is not only anticipated to take a starting spot but is also seen as a mentor for emerging talent Marc Bernal. The club initially had no plans to reinforce the midfield, believing they had sufficient players, even with De Jong’s injury. Despite the current situation, the club still intends to sell Marc Casadó, who plays in the same position.
Adding to the concern is De Jong’s history of injuries. Over the last three seasons, he has missed 56 matches due to various physical problems. This pattern of frequent injuries is causing concern for both Hansi Flick and Deco. Should surgery be confirmed for De Jong, the club is not ruling out entering the market to find another midfielder. Deco has already inquired about Rodri’s situation and that of other midfielders, though Barcelona is currently staying out of the bidding for Rodri due to reports of his impending move to another club.
Uncertain future at Camp Nou
Beyond the current medical stalemate, there is a lingering sentiment within the club regarding De Jong’s perceived priorities over the past year. Reports suggest that some within the Camp Nou offices feel that De Jong did not give his absolute best during the final stages of the 2025-26 campaign. His primary focus appeared to be on being fit for the World Cup with the Netherlands.
During his frequent absences, De Jong’s guaranteed starting spot came under threat from both emerging talents and established players. The rise of Marc Bernal and the return of Gavi meant that De Jong was no longer the undisputed central figure in the transition from defense to attack. He did not participate in the final two domestic season games before joining Ronald Koeman’s national side.
As the new season approaches, there is a general consensus around the Ciutat Esportiva that this could be Frenkie de Jong’s final season as a Barcelona player. While the club cannot transfer him while he is injured, the breakdown in trust over his injury management has accelerated discussions about his long-term future. Sources suggest that if he were fully fit, he might have already been placed on the transfer list alongside other midfielders like Marc Casado and Tommy Marques, whose exits are described as imminent. The standoff between the player’s preference for conservative treatment and the club’s demand for surgery is expected to define the next six months of his career.
Source: goal.com
