Frenkie de Jong is continuing to frustrate Barcelona bosses by ignoring the advice of their medical team.
The midfielder has not featured for the Catalan giants since he sustained an ankle injury against Real Madrid on April 21, with no recovery date being set for the midfielder due to the varying views on the problem.
Many expected De Jong to return to fitness sooner rather than later, but he still has not been included in their matchday squad. Thus, eyebrows were raised when the ex-Ajax star made an effort to compete at Euro 2024.
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The midfielder was named in the Netherlands’ squad and was initially part of their camp before being replaced after it was ruled that he had not fully recovered from his ankle injury and therefore was not fit to compete.
According to Spanish news outlet Sport, Barcelona are still unsure as to when De Jong will return to action as there have been disagreements over his injury.
Barca medical staff have been advising the 27-year-old to have surgery on his ankle in the hope of solving the issue and preventing recurring problems, but De Jong has refused to go under the knife – which has been a cause of ‘suspicion’ among bosses.
The midfielder has insisted that surgery ‘does not guarantee anything’ and therefore he would rather undergo his own rehabilitation programme to solve the issue. Barca will not play him until they are totally convinced that he is fully fit.
De Jong is continuing to work individually away from the team and a return is not imminent, despite Hansi Flick initially planning for him to be integrated back into his squad after the ongoing international break. The German boss has plans for the midfielder to be a part of his squad this season, but the situation is becoming more complicated as time goes on.
De Jong’s contract with Barca expires in 2027 and it remains to be seen whether he is made available in the upcoming transfer windows if friction remains between all parties.
Manchester United were previously very keen on acquiring the service of the Netherlands international and it would be no surprise if they reignited their interest next summer when they are expected to be in the market for a new midfielder.
