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Barcelona's midfield star Frenkie de Jong has shed light on how he sustained the knee injury that is expected to keep him out at the beginning of the 2026–27 season.
There has been considerable debate in Catalonia surrounding De Jong's rehabilitation from the ligament problem, with Spanish reports indicating that Barcelona are frustrated with the midfielder's decision to avoid surgery.
A rift has emerged between the player and the club over the most appropriate treatment approach, with De Jong holding firm on his position despite Barça's reported displeasure.
Injuries have been a recurring theme throughout De Jong's time with the back-to-back La Liga champions, yet he continues to be a key figure in Hansi Flick's squad. He was especially outstanding last season before a hamstring problem kept him out for nearly six weeks during the latter stages of the campaign.
Despite his value to Flick's side as both a leader and a dynamic midfield presence, Barcelona's pursuit of Rodri in the transfer market could diminish De Jong's role once he returns.
De Jong Insists He's On Same Page As Barcelona
Contrary to the reported friction between De Jong and Barcelona, the player has maintained that all parties are fully aligned with his rehabilitation plan. "I'm doing work with the physical therapists. We've made a plan which everyone knows about and everyone agrees with," the midfielder told the club's official media, via The Athletic.
Rather than undergoing surgery, De Jong is pursuing a conservative treatment approach that is expected to have him back on the pitch by November.
"I just want to focus on my recovery," he added. "I'm doing everything I can to be in good physical condition: I'm taking care of my diet, my rest and everything else that is in my hands. Right now, I'm doing everything necessary to come back in good shape and as soon as possible."
The 29-year-old revealed that the injury occurred when "someone fell on top" of him during Netherlands training, with the Dutch medical staff believing at the time that it was merely a "small problem" he could continue playing through.
However, upon arriving for preseason with Barcelona, scans revealed that the condition had deteriorated significantly.
"That was really hard because I wasn't expecting it, and nobody was expecting it," De Jong said.
What Rodri's Arrival Means for De Jong at Barcelona
World Cup Golden Ball recipient and 2024 Ballon d'Or holder Rodri is reportedly set to join the club from Manchester City in an $87 million deal. The 30-year-old is anticipated to put pen to paper on a four-year contract with the Blaugrana.
It is a monumental acquisition for the back-to-back La Liga champions, who don't necessarily need Rodri, but were determined to prevent him from landing at Real Madrid. With De Jong sidelined, Rodri provides immediate cover, with Flick likely to deploy him alongside Pedri at the base of midfield.
Their partnership required time to gel at the World Cup, but by the tournament's conclusion there were clear signs that two of the planet's finest midfielders had built a mutual understanding. Flick can also call upon Gavi, along with fellow La Masia product Marc Bernal. Marc Casadó, who broke through impressively in 2024–25, is expected to depart.
Unverified reports have suggested that De Jong is unhappy about Barcelona's decision to sign Rodri given the existing quality in their midfield, though such claims remain without foundation. The Dutchman is frequently a target of criticism in the Catalan press, with fans and local media seemingly resentful of the substantial wages he once commanded.
He faced accusations of going through the motions toward the end of last season with the World Cup on the horizon, with some even claiming he had refused to feature in the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Atlético Madrid.
"That's false, it's simply not true," De Jong said in response.
While his absence gives Rodri an opportunity to further develop his chemistry with Pedri and integrate with Flick's talented midfield group, the Dutchman remains a vital component of the manager's plans and can undoubtedly coexist alongside Barcelona's high-profile new signing.