Frenkie de Jong faced with conundrum as Barcelona put pressure on Netherlands star amid long-term injury struggle

De Jong's troubles began in September 2023 when he sustained an injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis of his right ankle during a match against Celta Vigo. This initial setback marked the beginning of a challenging period for the midfielder, as he struggled to regain full fitness. After months of recovery, De Jong suffered another blow on the same ankle in March of this year while playing at San Mames. However, another nasty blow, courtesy of a clash with Fede Valverde, at the same place on April 21 during the league Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu further complicated matters.

According to Mundo Deportivo, De Jong is adamant about not returning to the field unless he feels completely fit. This stance has put him at odds with Barcelona, who are in desperate need of his services. The club has made it clear that they expect De Jong to play through the pain barrier. They have given him a two-week window to assess his condition and determine whether he can return to play.

If De Jong remains unfit to play, the club is prepared to recommend surgery as a last resort, aiming to have him available for the second half of the season. This situation has put De Jong under immense pressure as the player favours staying away from the knife and trusts the traditional methods of recovery.

For De Jong, the decision is not just about returning to action; it’s about ensuring that he doesn’t compromise his long-term health. The midfielder is wary of playing through pain, understanding the risks of aggravating the injury further. But with key fixtures on the horizon, including domestic and European commitments, Barcelona are eager to have one of their most talented players back in action. However, this urgency must be balanced with the reality of De Jong’s condition and the potential consequences of throwing him into the mix before he is ready.