Frenkie de Jong injury raises Barcelona concerns ahead of Villarreal return

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will miss the Netherlands’ Nations League meeting with Germany on Monday after reporting discomfort during the 7-0 win over Greece.

The Dutch Football Association said De Jong had finished the match with “some minor physical complaints”. However, reports in Spanish newspaper AS suggest there is concern that the problem could prove more serious and affect his availability for Barcelona.

Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez played down the issue after the victory over Greece, saying De Jong had been substituted “more as a precaution” and that there was no reason for alarm.

The decision to withdraw the 29-year-old from the squad, announced by the Dutch federation several hours later, has nevertheless prompted uncertainty over the extent of the injury and how long he might be absent.

Initial reports suggested De Jong could be suffering from back pain. AS says the problem is instead located in the pubic area, where the player felt pain and discomfort during the match.

De Jong is due to undergo tests on Monday under the supervision of Barcelona’s medical staff. Those examinations will establish the nature of the injury and help determine its severity.

Injuries in the pubic region can be particularly troublesome and complex to manage. As a result, the midfielder’s return date will depend on how the problem develops and his response to treatment.

The setback is a concern for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who had recently welcomed back an important member of his squad. De Jong’s ability to operate in several positions has added to his value to the team.

He has impressed in unfamiliar roles in recent weeks, featuring at centre-back against Alaves before playing as a right-back in the match against Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona’s first fixture after the international break is against Villarreal on 22 November 2026, and Flick will be waiting for the results of De Jong’s medical assessment before deciding whether he can be involved.

The club will, however, be boosted by the return of Dani Olmo and Jules Kounde for that game. Both players are expected to be available again after the international break.

Other members of Barcelona’s injury list will need to wait longer before returning. Rodri, Xavi Espart and Roony Bardghji remain sidelined and are not expected to be back immediately.

The Netherlands’ meeting with Germany is scheduled for 16 November 2026. De Jong’s absence from that fixture means Barcelona will have to monitor his condition closely in the days leading up to the Villarreal match.