Ronald Koeman fuels Frenkie de Jong's fitness fears at Barcelona – 'Just playing was scary for him'
Barcelona are waiting for good news after the international break, with the hope that their midfield will be back in action, with Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo all expected. Frenkie de Jong it was another long absence which returned last week against Young Boys and then against Alaves, but Ronald Koeman says he is not out of the woods even with his ankle injury.
The 27-year-old Dutchman has not been named by Koeman for international work this week, as he tries to build fitness up. He featured for 24 minutes in total on his return after five months out of action, but Koeman warned the media that he is still a long way from full fitness.
“I spoke on the phone last week and, with all due respect, he is still too far (from being fit enough). He played a little bit and it was just scary for him. It was difficult for him.”
Pablo Gavi impressed a lot this week. Many players were amazed. “He goes for every ball,” and “he's like a bull,” say those who have watched him. @bonagerman pic.twitter.com/9Gcf9cXIa4
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 11, 2024
“Frenkie needs to find his rhythm and be 100% fit and I think he still has a bit to go for that,” said Koeman. Sport.
De Jong's return has been long-awaited by Barcelona, after he suffered a relapse in June from an ankle problem in April. That initial injury was a third of last season on the same ankle for de Jong, who denied he had been advised to have surgery in September. There was no return date given for his return, and Hansi Flick will no doubt be keen to avoid a hasty return.
