Will we see again the Frenkie De Jong who amazed Europe when he shone in the Champions League with Ajax Amsterdam? Nothing is less certain. Supposed to take on another dimension when he signed with FC Barcelona in 2019, the 27-year-old midfielder has accumulated disappointments and major physical problems. And his latest ankle injury has caused a stir.
Two weeks ago, the Spanish press reported new tensions between FDJ and the Catalan club. The Batavian reportedly returned from vacation out of shape and with a swollen ankle. Absent from the field since April, Hansi Flick is hoping for the Blaugrana to return by the end of September. But with the latest information revealed by Catalan radio RAC1not sure if we will see De Jong back on the pitch after the international break.
The almost inevitable operation
The media outlet recalls that FDJ had chosen to treat his ankle with conservative treatment (i.e. without surgery) to have a chance of being at Euro 2024. A choice that did not bear fruit. And today, the news is very worrying. RAC1 assures that De Jong’s ankle remains very sensitive and that a simple blow could lead to yet another relapse. And that’s not all.
While De Jong is working to try to strengthen this fragile area, the media outlet assures that the Dutchman will never return to 100% if he does not undergo surgery. To rebuild his ligaments and put an end to this ordeal, the midfielder would have no other choice than to go under the knife. But if he ends up validating this option, it will necessarily be necessary to extend his period of unavailability. Which would be a blessing in disguise, even if at Barça, they are starting to find the time very long for an element now paid at the level of €37 million gross per year.
