Barcelona midfield star Frenkie de Jong has had a torrid few months because the 2026 World Cup marketing campaign with the Netherlands.
The Dutchman performed the match by way of an damage that he was informed was not severe, solely to return to Barcelona and discover out that he had torn his medial collateral ligament.
Since then, there was lots of hypothesis about his Barça scenario, with query marks being raised about his relationship with Hansi Flick.
The German supervisor put such rumours to bed, revealing that he had a superb relationship with Frenkie, however the 29-year-old was not named amongst Flick’s provisional captains forward of the Gamper.
Now, in response to Anais Marti of La Vanguardia, De Jong and people round him are optimistic about his restoration.
De Jong decided to regain his place
De Jong is receiving loads of help throughout his restoration, with the midfielder’s household travelling to the town to stay alongside him throughout his therapy.
The Dutchman, who opted towards surgical procedure, is satisfied that conservative therapy will work and is decided to get well totally and battle his manner again into the beginning XI.
That willpower will likely be necessary for De Jong, notably given how a lot competitors now exists in Barcelona’s midfield.
Nonetheless, he must be cautious to not lower any corners in his restoration, and the precedence should be him returning to 100%.
His household travelling to Barcelona ought to no less than present one other supply of help whereas he goes by way of the therapy and restoration course of.
Raphinha to talk in his place
De Jong’s scenario will even have an effect on right this moment’s Gamper Trophy proceedings.
The midfielder is not going to handle the supporters forward of the match. Raphinha will as a substitute be the participant who speaks in his place.
Flick has confirmed that this captaincy association is simply provisional and that the squad vote will occur nearer to the tip of the switch window.
De Jong has nothing to fret about for now. Flick continues to belief him, and he may very well be voted in as captain when the squad determine.
For now, he will likely be compelled to observe his teammates play from the sidelines, and will likely be eager to return to motion as quickly as attainable.
A match and firing De Jong is a blessing for any squad to have, and it stays to be seen how his restoration pans out.
