Barcelona star’s injury history looks alarming after latest setback | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have been dealt another reminder of Frenkie de Jong’s difficult relationship with injuries, with the captain now facing another extended period away from the pitch because of a problem with his right knee.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the latest setback adds to a growing injury history that has included several muscular problems, knee trouble and, most significantly, three consecutive injuries to his right ankle.

De Jong’s first significant setback at Barca arrived in June 2020, when a calf injury ruled him out of several matches. Further muscular issues followed during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns, while a knee problem in March 2023 kept him sidelined for around a month.

However, the most difficult period of his Barcelona career began in September 2023. De Jong suffered a syndesmosis injury to his right ankle against Celta Vigo and subsequently missed 14 competitive matches.

After returning, he injured the same ankle again against Athletic Club in March 2024 before suffering another serious sprain during El Clasico the following month.

That third setback kept the midfielder out for more than five months and also forced him to miss Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.

Another major challenge for the Barcelona captain

De Jong eventually fought his way back and re-established himself as an important player for Hansi Flick, making the timing of his latest injury particularly frustrating.

Barcelona have officially confirmed damage to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, although the club have not provided a definitive recovery period. De Jong has also said that surgery is not currently considered necessary and that his progress will be monitored.

His history naturally makes caution essential. Barca cannot afford to rush their captain back simply because his absence creates a problem in midfield.

The positive side is that De Jong has already shown an ability to recover from significant setbacks and return to a high level. When physically comfortable, his ability to control possession and progress the ball remains extremely valuable to Flick.

For Barcelona, however, the repeated interruptions are becoming difficult to ignore. De Jong is now 29 and entering a stage of his career when careful workload management could become increasingly important.

The immediate priority must be a complete recovery. Barca have enough midfield talent to cope with his absence, but replacing everything a fit De Jong provides is another matter entirely. His latest rehabilitation therefore needs to be managed with patience because Barcelona will need their captain fully ready for the more decisive stages of the season.