Frenkie de Jong has returned to full training with Barcelona after recovering from a knee injury, but his place in Hansi Flick’s plans could depend on both his fitness and the strength of the club’s midfield.
The Netherlands international suffered a tear to the lateral ligament in his right knee after overexerting himself during the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. He rejoined Flick’s squad last Tuesday and could be cleared to play in the coming weeks if he responds well as training intensity increases.
De Jong, who wears the number 21 shirt, opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, despite the Barcelona medical team recommending an operation, according to Catalan newspaper Sport. His knee has responded well so far, although the club will continue to monitor his progress closely.
The key test begins now, with De Jong training at the same pace as his team-mates. Flick has personally made clear that the midfielder will not return to competitive action until he has fully recovered.
Since taking charge at Spotify Camp Nou, the German manager has consistently opposed taking risks with players returning from injury. De Jong’s case is particularly sensitive because of the uncertainty surrounding his knee and the debate over his position within the team.
His chances of an immediate return are also affected by Barcelona’s impressive start to the season. The club have won all their matches and have often overwhelmed opponents at speed, while the midfield has been one of the strongest areas of the side.
“Rodri’s arrival had an immediate impact, Marc Bernal emerged, and Pedri and Fermin Lopez have been outstanding,” Sport reported. “At the same time, Dani Olmo, Gavi and Bryan Farinas are waiting for their opportunities. As a result, chances in Barcelona’s midfield will be scarce and difficult to secure.”
De Jong remains confident he can earn his place back, but the current circumstances are not in his favour. He will need to produce exceptionally strong performances in training to catch up with a team that was moving at great speed before the international break.
The coming months could determine his role in Flick’s new Barcelona project. The sporting department is expected to assess his playing time closely before the winter transfer window, particularly because he is one of the squad’s highest earners and remains of interest in the transfer market.
De Jong has repeatedly said, both privately and publicly, that he wants to stay at Barcelona. The former Ajax player has experienced more uncertainty at Camp Nou than either he or the club expected, but he has no plans to leave and believes he can convince Flick of his value.
At 29, however, he is approaching an important point in his career. Manchester City considered signing him last summer, while Chelsea have also monitored his situation following Enzo Fernandez’s move to the Citizens. Other major European clubs could become interested if his future remains unresolved.
For now, Barcelona’s priority is a setback-free recovery. If De Jong returns to his best, his comeback could represent a high-quality “autumn signing” for a team with major ambitions this season. After a summer of noise, including Flick removing the captaincy from De Jong and handing it to Raphinha, the club hope the focus can now return solely to football.
