Ronald Koeman, the manager, has confirmed that Frenkie de Jong will not be available for play for at least three weeks due to a recurring injury. Koeman expressed concern over de Jong’s health, citing a history of similar injuries that have affected the player’s career. He also mentioned that the decision to play de Jong despite his condition was risky and is now proving costly.
“He was not gonna be ready in three weeks, unfortunately,” Koeman stated, highlighting the severity of de Jong’s condition. He further added, “Frenkie has a history with this injury so we have to think about his health. The club over there decided to take risks and this is the price we have to pay for it.”
Background and Recent Developments
Frenkie de Jong, a central midfielder known for his versatility and technical skills, has been a key player for Barcelona. His commitment to the club was evident as he recently expressed his contentment and future intentions with Barcelona. Despite past interests from other top European clubs, including remarks from Ten Hag about a missed opportunity to sign him, de Jong has remained with Barcelona. Xavi, Barcelona’s coach, also dismissed any rumours about de Jong’s potential transfer, emphasizing his importance to the team and his plans for a long-term stay.
This injury setback is a significant blow not only to de Jong but also to Barcelona’s lineup, affecting their strategy and game plans in upcoming matches. The club and its medical team are likely to be cautious with de Jong’s recovery, given the recurrent nature of his injury.