Frenkie de Jong facing lengthy lay-off as Barcelona confirm knee ligament damage

Barcelona have confirmed that midfielder Frenkie de Jong has suffered a tear to the lateral ligament in his right knee, an injury sustained while on duty with the Netherlands at the World Cup.

The Dutch international was forced to leave his national team’s camp because of the problem and consequently missed the start of the new season with the Catalan club.

In an official statement released on Thursday via the club’s account on X, Barcelona said medical tests had revealed the extent of the injury, identifying a rupture in the lateral ligament of De Jong’s right knee.

Barcelona set conservative recovery plan

The club added that a conservative treatment plan had been agreed, with De Jong to continue undergoing therapy and close medical monitoring over the coming weeks.

Barcelona stated that the player’s progress would dictate the next steps, stressing that the approach to his recovery would be adjusted depending on how his condition develops.

The statement did not specify an official timeframe for the 27-year-old’s return to action, and the club gave no indication of when he might be available for selection again.

Reports suggest absence beyond four months

While Barcelona declined to put a date on De Jong’s comeback, Spanish sports newspaper Sport reported that the midfielder is expected to be sidelined for a period exceeding four months.

That projected absence would see De Jong miss a substantial portion of the campaign for both club and country, although Barcelona have not publicly endorsed any specific recovery schedule.

De Jong’s injury came during his participation with the Netherlands at the World Cup, and his early withdrawal from the national team set-up meant he was unavailable as Barcelona began preparations for the new season.

Key figure ruled out at pivotal time

De Jong has been a central figure in Barcelona’s midfield since joining the club from Ajax, and his enforced spell on the sidelines leaves the coaching staff to manage without one of their most important players at a crucial stage of the season.

For now, Barcelona are adopting a cautious stance, with the club emphasising treatment, evaluation and patience, while external estimates point to a prolonged absence as De Jong begins his rehabilitation.