Frenkie de Jong: Barça furious with the Netherlands

Injured at the knee during the 2026 World Cup, Frenkie de Jong returned from the tournament with a swollen joint.

An absence of at least 4 months is being discussed for the FC Barcelona midfielder. However, AS fears it could last even longer. The final diagnosis is complicated by the evolution of the injury, and it's reported that Barça is searching for the right specialist to operate on the player.

Nevertheless, Frenkie de Jong is not expected to return before 2027. Spanish media reports that Barça has been left furious with the Dutch national team, accusing them of negligence and claiming they played De Jong while he was injured against Morocco in the round of 16—with the approval of head coach Ronald Koeman and the medical staff.

The Catalan board is also considering seeking damages (AS mentions a sum over €2 million) if De Jong's unavailability indeed exceeds 4 months, as now seems likely.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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