Barcelona midfield ace’s return to group training postponed to tomorrow | OneFootball

According to SPORT, FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will have to wait another day before returning to training on the pitch with his teammates.

The Dutchman had been scheduled to complete a large part of Monday’s session with the group, marking an important step in his recovery from his right knee injury.

However, his return will not take place today for a reason completely unrelated to his physical condition. Heavy rain and the weather alert have meant that Barça have not trained on the pitch, with the players remaining in the gym for the session.

Therefore, tomorrow, weather permitting, will be the day De Jong returns to work on the pitch with his team-mates.

De Jong arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva at 8:35am. The midfielder was the first player to enter the training facilities on a day when he had been expected to take another step forward in his recovery. The bad weather ultimately changed those plans.

Closing in on his comeback. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

More than two months out

De Jong’s problem dates back to the World Cup. he began feeling discomfort in his knee during the group-stage match vs Sweden and continued playing for the Netherlands, including 110 minutes against Morocco in the match that ended with their elimination on penalties.

Tests subsequently carried out in Barcelona showed that he had a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Ultimately, the captain and club opted for conservative treatment and ruled out surgery.

Since then, De Jong has progressed through each stage of his recovery and tomorrow he will take another step if the weather conditions allow the team to work on the pitch.

Another option for Flick

De Jong’s gradual return also comes at a particularly favourable moment for Barcelona.

Hansi Flick’s side are enjoying an excellent run and are flying in La Liga, with a considerable lead over Real Madrid. There is still a long way to go in the season, but the team’s performances have been very positive.

An added option in midfield for Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

There is no need to rush the Dutchman’s return. He can gradually regain his rhythm before returning to competitive action, and his return will allow Flick to add strength and another option to a midfield that has accumulated a lot of minutes.

The international break has also increased the workload for some players. Rodri, for example, will return after playing a large number of minutes between Barça and the Spain national team.

Having the Netherlands star back will allow the manager to distribute the workload and give some of his most frequently used players a rest.