Frenkie de Jong faces an extended spell sidelined after his World Cup knee injury deteriorated upon returning to Barcelona, with new Dutch national team manager Xavi Hernández among those monitoring his slow recovery. The midfielder has been ruled out for the opening months of the 2023–24 season and remains without a confirmed return date.
De Jong’s World Cup injury turns serious
De Jong sustained a right knee ligament injury during the FIFA World Cup but initially played through what was diagnosed as minor discomfort. The problem worsened significantly after his return to Catalonia, forcing Barcelona’s medical staff to sideline him indefinitely. He is currently undergoing conservative treatment, though his condition is not improving as quickly as the club hoped.
The prospect of surgery looms if conservative management fails. Should De Jong require an operation, his absence would stretch well into the campaign and potentially eliminate any winter transfer window opportunity—a scenario Barcelona is desperately keen to avoid.
Xavi’s concern as Netherlands boss complicates timeline
As reported by SPORT, Xavi—now installed as Oranje manager following Ronald Koeman’s departure—is deeply concerned about De Jong’s progress. The former Barcelona icon will oversee the Dutch national team’s fixture in late September, a deadline the midfielder has virtually no chance of meeting in his current state.
The timing compounds the difficulty. Xavi’s maiden assignment arrives precisely when De Jong’s recovery remains most uncertain, leaving both Barcelona and the national team facing an extended period without a key midfielder.
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De Jong’s optimism and the competition waiting
De Jong maintains confidence that conservative treatment will prove sufficient without surgical intervention. His belief in a non-operative recovery reflects his determination to reclaim his place, though the challenge grows steeper daily. Barcelona have already integrated Rodri into the starting lineup to fill the void, meaning De Jong faces a genuine battle to re-establish himself once fit.
The midfielder must now watch from the treatment room as another player consolidates a position that was once unquestionably his. Without clarity on when he will return to full training, let alone competitive action, De Jong’s season trajectory remains highly uncertain.
