Overview
- De Jong returned for a short individual session at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva but felt pain when stopping and braking and ended the outing early, a setback reported on Tuesday.
- Club medical scans have confirmed a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee and Barcelona have kept him on a conservative rehab plan while warning surgery remains a real possibility.
- The midfielder’s decision to play through pain at the World Cup with injections has strained relations at Barcelona, led to the removal of the captain’s armband, and prompted the club to sign midfield cover.
- New Netherlands coach Xavi has expressed worry about De Jong’s fitness and the player’s availability for the September–October international window.
- If surgery becomes necessary De Jong could be sidelined for months, which would force Barcelona to adjust squad plans and leave the player facing a longer, more cautious recovery with risks from returning too soon.