Barcelona have confirmed that Frenkie de Jong has suffered a tear to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee, dealing a major blow to Hansi Flick’s plans ahead of the new season.
The club has not provided an official recovery timeline, stating only that De Jong will undergo conservative treatment while his progress is closely monitored. However, reports from Spain suggest the injury could keep the Dutch midfielder out for as long as five to six months, although that estimate has not been confirmed by Barcelona.
What has caught the attention of fans is De Jong’s explanation of how the injury developed.
According to the midfielder, he first hurt his knee during the World Cup. Initial medical assessments reportedly indicated the injury was minor, and he was advised that continuing to play would not make the damage worse. Trusting that advice, De Jong continued representing the Netherlands.
It was only after returning to Barcelona and undergoing more detailed examinations that the injury was found to be far more serious than originally believed.
His account adds important context to the criticism he has faced from some supporters, who questioned why he continued playing for his national team while injured. If he was medically cleared and assured that playing posed no additional risk, it raises questions about whether the responsibility lies with the player or with the initial medical assessment.
Without access to the complete medical records, it would be premature to assign blame. However, the situation is likely to spark debate over how the injury was evaluated and managed.
For Barcelona, the immediate concern is the impact on the squad. De Jong is one of Hansi Flick’s key midfielders, and a lengthy absence could force the club to reassess its plans as the season gets underway.
💬 Do you think the Netherlands’ medical team handled Frenkie de Jong’s injury correctly, or should they have been more cautious?
