Barcelona baffled by Frenkie de Jong: injury recovery going slowly amid suspicion of transfer intention

Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong have had a turbulent relationship in recent years, with the Dutchman the subject of concerted attempts to force him out of the club. Now it looks as if Barcelona might get their way, but not in the fashion they want.

According to Diario AS, de Jong’s recovery from an ankle injury continues to go much slower than anticipated, and manager Hansi Flick knows that he won’t be able to use de Jong until at least September, after the international break. The report also says that they feel de Jong’s attitude has not been the same as the likes of Pedri when it comes to his recovery.

De Jong's ankle is still not fine. His return date is unknown and he'll not be available to Flick for the first games of the season. @fansjavimiguel

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 15, 2024

It is now four months since his injury, which was initially diagnosed with a recovery period of six to eight weeks, although it his his third successive ankle injury.

The same source goes on to mention that de Jong’s agent has been contacted by Sporting Director Deco on multiple occasions to discuss a new deal, but he has not had a response. This has only fueled speculation within the club that they believe de Jong will run down his contract, and leave for free in 2026.

Given de Jong and Barcelona’s somewhat fraught relationship at an institutional level, it would be no surprise if he feels entitled to give them little consideration when making his career choices. It should also be noted that de Jong has in the past defended himself against aspersions cast by the media in Barcelona. Neither can he can help it if his ankle is not responding to treatment – an injury that as Ronald Koeman pointed out, was sustained when he returned to action before he was fully recovered.