Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is targeting a return to full training after the upcoming international break, as he continues his recovery from a knee injury. The Dutch international has been sidelined for the entire season so far, having sustained the injury while on duty with the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.
De Jong’s absence has significantly impacted Barcelona’s midfield options, forcing new manager Hansi Flick to plan without one of his key players for the opening stages of the campaign. His return to group training would mark a crucial step in his rehabilitation process, offering a boost to the squad’s depth.
Recovery Progress and Next Steps
While the prospect of De Jong rejoining full training is positive, it is important to note that this does not confirm his immediate availability for competitive matches. The focus remains on his rehabilitation and building up his match fitness gradually. Reintegrating with his teammates on the training pitch will allow the club to assess his progress before considering him for selection.
The midfielder has been working individually to regain fitness, and his return to group sessions will be a key checkpoint. Barcelona will monitor how his knee responds to the increased intensity of training before setting a firm date for his first-team comeback.
Potential Return to Action
According to reports from Barca Blaugranes, current estimates suggest a possible return to action for De Jong in November. Should his recovery continue without setbacks, a potential match for his comeback could be against Alaves in La Liga. However, this remains a projection and has not been confirmed by Barcelona.
For now, the immediate objective for De Jong is to successfully rejoin the group after the international break and continue to build towards full readiness. His eventual return would provide Hansi Flick with another valuable option in the midfield, enhancing the team’s tactical flexibility and strength as the season progresses.