Barcelona taking cautious approach with midfield mainstay’s injury; official statement expected in coming days | OneFootball

Barcelona are taking no risks with Frenkie de Jong after the midfielder returned from the FIFA World Cup with discomfort in his right knee. 

According to SPORT, the club is carefully assessing the Dutch international’s condition before confirming the extent of the problem, with an official medical update expected in the coming days.

The 29-year-old underwent further examinations at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Friday after reporting ongoing discomfort following his international duty with the Netherlands at the World Cup. 

Rather than rushing to announce a diagnosis, Barcelona’s medical staff are prioritising a complete evaluation before deciding on the appropriate treatment plan.

Barcelona waiting for complete medical assessment

De Jong’s knee issue is not a new problem, with the midfielder managing the discomfort throughout the World Cup and was even seen wearing protection on his right knee during several matches. 

Frenkie de Jong played the World Cup with a knee injury. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Despite continuing to play, both the player and the club agreed that a detailed examination would be necessary once he returned to Barcelona.

That process is now underway, which is why Barcelona have deliberately chosen not to release an official medical statement. 

Simply put, the club wants to establish the exact nature of the injury before confirming the diagnosis, which would reveal the recommended treatment and estimate how long De Jong could be unavailable.

The final announcement is expected once the medical department and the player agree on the information to be made public.

Flick views De Jong as a vital part of his plans

Barcelona are yet to provide an official update on De Jong’s injury. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The situation is being closely monitored by Hansi Flick, who considers De Jong one of the most important players in his squad.

The German coach views the Netherlands international as the ideal midfielder to operate at the base of Barcelona’s midfield, and that confidence has made De Jong a regular starter whenever he has been available.

Given his role within the team, Barcelona are determined not to accelerate his return before receiving complete medical clarity.

The club believes protecting one of its most influential players is more important than rushing him back into action during pre-season preparations.