Blow for Barcelona: De Jong out for 4 months

23 July 2026 - 22:13 | Last update 23 July 2026 - 22:13

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Mohamed Gomaa (Cairo)

Barcelona announced on Thursday that midfielder Frenkie de Jong has sustained a knee injury.

De Jong had played for the Netherlands with a bandage on his knee, and the Dutch team was eliminated after losing to Morocco on penalties in the round of 32.

Injury details

The club said in a statement on its social media accounts: 'Tests have shown that Frenkie de Jong has a tear in the internal lateral ligament of his right knee. It has been decided that the player will continue to undergo treatment and medical follow-up, pending the development of his condition in the coming weeks.'

Injury more serious than expected

De Jong himself wrote on his Instagram account: 'The injury was more serious than initially diagnosed. Fortunately, no surgery is needed at this stage, and I am now fully focused on recovery.'

Expected absence period

Barcelona did not specify the recovery time for De Jong, but media reports indicate that this type of injury typically requires a recovery period of at least 4 months.