FRENKIE CONTINUES DEALING WITH HIS ANKLE PROBLEMS
FC Barcelona still has several unknowns to resolve regarding the return of Frenkie de Jong
Published:29/08/2024 - 12:06h
Updated:29/08/2024 - 12:07h
FC Barcelona awaits Frenkie de Jong's crucial return to the team with anticipation, although at present, this return seems increasingly uncertain. Although a tentative date has been set for his return, the condition of his ankle raises several questions that must be resolved
The FC Barcelona, after the injury of Marc Bernal in the match against Rayo Vallecano last Tuesday, suffered a heavy blow that not only affected the team's morale but also its sporting aspect. The Blaugrana team lost a player in whom Hansi Flick had placed his trust as a starter to strengthen the midfield area. The Berga native stood out for his excellent technique, tactical intelligence, and interesting defensive skills, emerging as the solution to the problem represented by that position.
The club is practically limited in acquiring new players in this summer transfer window, so it will have to internally seek a solution to reinforce this area of the field. Two options from La Masia that could play this role are Marc Casadó and Pau Prim. However, another ideal candidate for this role would be Frenkie de Jong, a player that the Catalan team hopes to rely on once again.
It is worth noting that the Dutchman has been out of competition for the Barcelona squad since April 21, when he injured his right ankle during the Clásico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, after a ball dispute with Federico Valverde. That physical mishap was diagnosed at that time as a severe grade II sprain, and his recovery time has extended beyond the initial estimate.
The return of Frenkie de Jong, a mystery for FC Barcelona
Now, according to sources close to the locker room, it is expected that the Arkel native will return to the team dynamics by the end of September, after the FIFA break. However, there is uncertainty in this regard, as recently mentioned on the 'Tu diràs' program on 'RAC1', Frenkie continues to experience problems with his right ankle, causing concern. That area seems very sensitive and any impact or sudden movement could lead to a recurrence of the injury.
Furthermore, it is important to mention that, in addition to this physical setback, during the 2023/24 season, De Jong suffered two other injuries in that same area of the body, one on September 23, 2023, in the match against Celta Vigo (distal tibiofibular syndesmosis) and another on March 3, 2024, against Athletic Club (ankle sprain). Considering these precedents, there is a real fear at Barcelona that the ankle injury may become chronic and prevent him from achieving his maximum sporting performance.
The return of the '21' raises serious questions, as although the player is working to strengthen the affected area, the possibility of abandoning conservative treatment to undergo an operation that definitively solves the ligament instability problems remains an option. Will Frenkie opt for this intervention? Only time will tell.
