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De Jong Back on Ball Work as Barcelona Target Group Training in Weeks

The on-pitch progress gives the club a clear moment to reassess his recovery after the international break for a return timetable.

Overview

  • Reports on Tuesday said Frenkie de Jong has resumed on-pitch ball work and is doing moderate-intensity individual sessions at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva.
  • De Jong tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee at the 2026 World Cup and has followed a conservative, non-surgical rehab plan after surgery was discussed earlier.
  • Barcelona estimate he will need roughly two to three more weeks before he can rejoin group training and will set a firmer date once staff reassess him after the international break.
  • Limited observation during the break and manager Hansi Flick’s temporary absence mean the club will rely on a post-break medical review to decide whether to continue conservative treatment or reconsider surgery.
  • An MCL tear can be treated without surgery for a quicker return but carries some risk of residual instability, so the coming reassessment will shape both De Jong’s long-term knee health and Barcelona’s squad planning.