Barcelona captain faces definitive week as knee injury could see him miss 4 months | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are preparing to start the new season without Frenkie de Jong, with the midfielder expected to miss several months because of the knee injury he carried through the latter stages of the World Cup.

The Dutchman played his final two matches for the Netherlands with significant discomfort before returning to Barcelona for medical checks. Initial examinations were complicated by heavy swelling in his right knee.

According to SPORT, further tests have now confirmed a significant injury, although serious ligament damage has been ruled out.

De Jong is expected back at the Ciutat Esportiva in the coming days, when Barcelona and the player will make a final decision on the treatment plan.

The current expectation is that De Jong could be sidelined for around three to four months.

That is a significant blow for Hansi Flick, who has consistently viewed the midfielder as an important part of his system.

De Jong was due to return to training this week following the Netherlands’ World Cup elimination, but his immediate focus will instead be on recovery.

The club initially opted for conservative treatment and rest while the player completed his holiday period, but the next round of assessments should determine whether that approach continues.

Barca will not sign another midfielder

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Barcelona are not planning to enter the market for another central midfielder.

Flick still has Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal and Fermin Lopez available, while younger options such as Tommy Marques and Xavi Espart could also be used.

Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen provide further emergency options because of their ability to step into midfield when required.

De Jong is difficult to replace because of his ability to progress the ball and control possession under pressure.

Still, the club clearly believe they have enough quality within the squad to cope with his absence.

The priority now is getting the treatment right. Rushing De Jong back would solve nothing. Barcelona need him fully recovered, even if that means waiting until well into the season.