Barcelona upset by Frenkie de Jong: injury recovery slow amid suspicions of transfer intent
Barcelona is Frenkie de Jong they have had a turbulent relationship in recent years, with the Dutchman the subject of concerted attempts to force him out of the club. Now it looks like Barcelona they might get their way, but not in the fashion they want.
According to AS Diaryde Jong's recovery from an ankle injury continues to be much slower than expected, and manager Hansi Flick knows he won't be able to use de Jong until at least September, after the international break. The report also says that they feel that De Jong's attitude has not been the same as Pedri's when it comes to his recovery.
De Jong's ankle is still not good. His return date is unknown and he will not be available for Flick for the first games of the season. @fansjavimiguel
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 15, 2024
It is now four months since his injury, which was initially diagnosed with a recovery period of six to eight weeks, although it was his third consecutive ankle injury.
The same source continues to mention that de Jong's agent has been contacted by the Sporting Deco Director on several occasions to discuss a new deal, but has not had a response. This has only fueled speculation at the club that believes de Jong will void his contract and leave for free in 2026.
Given the somewhat close relationship between De Jong and Barcelona at an institutional level, it would not be surprising if he feels entitled to give them little consideration when making his career choices. It should also be noted that de Jong has in the past defended against the aspersions of the media in Barcelona. Neither can help, if his ankle does not respond to treatment – an injury that, as Ronald Koeman pointed out, was sustained when he returned to action before he was fully recovered.
