Barcelona and Netherlands star Frenkie de Jong suffers serious injury

FC Barcelona and Netherlands national team midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been sidelined for an extended period due to a serious knee injury. Medical examinations revealed a tear in the medial collateral ligament of his right knee. This comes as an unexpected and heavy blow for Hansi Flick's side as they prepare for the new season. This is reported by Goal.com reports .

According to the club's official statement, despite the severity of the injury, surgery is not currently required. The player will begin his recovery through conservative treatment methods. However, no specific timeline has been set for the playmaker's return, which could cause problems in Barcelona's midfield.

Clarifying the situation, Frenkie de Jong revealed that the root of this injury dates back to the World Cup. According to Goal.com, the player was forced to play through pain during the tournament in Qatar. At the time, doctors assessed the injury as minor, but the situation worsened later.

Two seasons plagued by injuries

The last two years have been unlucky for Frenkie de Jong. First, he missed the European Championship due to chronic ankle problems. In the 2025–26 season, a hamstring injury sidelined him during a crucial period from February to April. Consecutive physical issues are negatively impacting the player's form and consistency at the club.

"I injured my knee during the World Cup. After the initial scan, the doctors said the injury was minor and that it wouldn't get worse if I kept playing. I took to the pitch despite the pain to help my team and my country. But after returning from vacation, tests in Barcelona showed the injury was much more serious than expected," says the Dutch star.

The midfielder also responded to critics who questioned his loyalty to the club. He stated that the false reports circulating in the media and the dismissive attitude toward his injury hurt him. De Jong emphasized that he always puts his responsibility to his profession and his team first.

Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 for 75 million euros. During his time with the Catalans, he has achieved the following honors:

• Three La Liga titles;
• Two Copa del Rey trophies;
• Three Spanish Super Cup victories.

Currently, the player is focused on his recovery. Barcelona fans are eagerly awaiting the return of one of the team's key creators to play a vital role in Hansi Flick's tactical setup.