Sports medicine expert offers encouraging update on Frenkie de Jong injury timeline | OneFootball

FC Barcelona may have received some encouraging news regarding Frenkie de Jong’s knee injury, with a sports medicine specialist suggesting the midfielder could return within four to six weeks in the best-case scenario.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Dr Jordi Suros believes Barca’s decision to initially pursue conservative treatment is a positive sign after De Jong was diagnosed with a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

The exact severity of the injury remains unclear. It has not been confirmed whether the tear is partial or complete, while the stability of the knee and potential damage to surrounding structures will also influence his recovery.

However, Dr Suros explained that the medial collateral ligament has a greater natural capacity to heal than some other knee ligaments.

He said:

“The medial collateral ligament is well vascularised and has a much greater healing capacity than other ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament. That is why many of these injuries can recover without surgery.”

That offers some hope after initial fears that Barcelona could be without their captain for several months.

Best-case scenario is four to six weeks

Dr Suros believes that if De Jong has suffered a stable partial tear, his recovery could be considerably shorter than first feared. He explained:

“If we are talking about a partial and stable tear, the best-case scenario could be between four and six weeks.”

A complete but isolated tear that responds well to conservative treatment could instead require around two to three months of recovery.

The situation would become more complicated if further damage is discovered, particularly around the ligament’s attachment to the bone or other structures inside the knee. In that scenario, surgery could become necessary and the recovery period would be significantly longer.

For Barcelona, the fact that an operation is not currently planned should therefore be viewed positively.

Hansi Flick will undoubtedly want De Jong back as quickly as possible, but the club cannot allow their midfield needs to dictate his rehabilitation. Given the captain’s previous injury problems, particularly with his ankle, a cautious approach is essential.

As Dr Suros stressed, De Jong should only return once his knee can comfortably handle the braking, turning and physical contact required at the highest level.

If the four-to-six-week scenario becomes reality, it would be a major boost for Barca. For now, however, the coming weeks and De Jong’s response to treatment will determine when Flick can realistically expect his captain back.