Frenkie de Jong is beginning to take positive steps in his recovery. The Dutchman's situation was beginning to be a headache for FC Barcelona, which has 'breathed' with relief after the progress shown by the player last Thursday. And after being practically missing for almost 4 months due to his grade two sprain of his right ankle, the midfielder returned to exercising on the pitch at the Camp Tito Vilanova.
The Netherlands international exercised accompanied by the Barça team's physiotherapists, who are closely monitoring the evolution of his physical setback. The footballer performed different specific exercises to continue strengthening his ankle, among which were changes of direction, touches of the ball with the inside and 'curve' sprints. According to 'Soc Blaugrana', Frenkie's session was positive, with the player using more comfortable footwear to allow his progressive return to the field without causing overload in the affected area.
De Jong's injury has been a sensitive issue within the club, where they have been completely baffled by his situation. His recovery has been considered a 'challenge' for the institution's medical and physiotherapist services, since its complexity has been far from meeting initial forecasts.Initially, it was thought that the midfielder would return to the playing fields within a period of six to eight weeks, but as it was his third consecutive injury to the same ankle, his case would have become more complicated than expected.
Uncertainty persists in Barcelona, where they have not been able to determine the estimated date on which Frenkie would rejoin the Blaugrana first team. In principle, Hansi Flick would have already assumed that the Dutchman will not be able to count, at best, until after the national team break in September, but, although he still has deadlines to meet, his return to the pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper is good news for the Catalans.
His future is defined
Meanwhile, the footballer focuses on recovering 100% from his injury with the peace of mind of knowing his future, which would continue to be at the Spotify Camp Nou. The midfielder wants to continue wearing the Barça shirt next season and Hansi Flick considers him an important piece in his scheme, so his departure would be ruled out. Furthermore, Manchester United, the main team interested in his services, would not be contemplating his incorporation, which is why his stay in the Barcelona squad is assured.