'Playing was scary for him' - Frenkie de Jong return hopes tempered by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman in concerning fitness update on Barcelona star

The Dutch midfielder has been out of action since April due to ankle ligament damage, forcing him to miss the European Championship in the summer and then the start of the 2024-25 campaign. He finally returned to action earlier this month and appeared as a substitute in Barcelona's Champions League and La Liga fixtures against Young Boys and Alaves, respectively.

Despite staging a comeback for his club, De Jong was overlooked by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman for the national team for their ongoing Nations League clashes. The Dutch coach recently explained his decision to ignore the Blaugrana star as he claimed that the player is far from recovering from his knock.

Speaking to Sport, the 61-year-old said, "I spoke on the phone last week and, with all due respect, he is still too far away [from being fit enough]. He played a little and just that was scary for him. It was difficult for him. Frenkie needs to find his rhythm and be in 100% shape and I think he still has some time to go for that."

After a 1-1 draw against Hungary on Friday, Koeman's side will be back in action on Monday as they take on Germany in an exciting Nations League fixture.