Frenkie de Jong 'broke down in tears' in Barcelona dressing room amid fears over fresh injury hell

De Jong returned to action with Barcelona in October after a five-month lay-off due to an ankle injury. Yet the midfielder was forced off after just 45 minutes at the Reale Arena on Sunday and was left in tears in the dressing room as he feared another long-term lay-off, according to Diario Sport. The Dutchman had taken knocks to his shin and his ankle and was left emotional at the thought he could be set for more time on the sidelines.

Fortunately for De Jong, it emerged that he had only suffered a blow to his shin and he has since travelled to meet with up with the Netherlands squad for Nations League fixtures against Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The midfielder's injury problems mean he hasn't made an appearance for his national team in 14 months and so he'll be hoping for minutes over the next two games before returning to Barcelona.

De Jong has spoken about his fitness after linking up with the squad: "It's been a long time, playing for the Dutch national team. It's a great honour. I'm always happy to be here. I'm a bit sore, but I think it'll be fine. It was a lingering injury. I missed a lot of matches and the European Championship, which was difficult. Things are getting better now. I am growing back to where I need to be in terms of form and fitness. I think we have a good team, a good selection. Hopefully we can do great things."

De Jong will be hoping he can now stay injury-free and have an impact with both club and county. The Netherlands sit second in their Nations League group, five points behind Germany, while Barcelona are currently flying high at the top of La Liga under new manager Hansi Flick.