Ronald Koeman, coach of the Netherlands national team, has confirmed that Frenkie de Jong will not start in the Nations League matches against Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the press conference prior to this Saturday's duel against the Hungarians, the coach explained that the FC Barcelona midfielder arrived at the training camp still injured after being substituted in their last game, against Real Sociedad.
“Frenkie is not in optimal condition to be a starter,” said the Dutch coach, fueling doubts about the full recovery of the player, who was sidelined for almost six months due to an injury to his right ankle.
Koeman clarifies how De Jong is doing after the 'scare' in Anoeta
“I don't even know if he can play 90 minutes in a game,” added the former Barça coach. De Jong started for the first time this season in LaLiga last Sunday in Anoeta against Real Sociedad, but was substituted at halftime due to an ankle injury. Previously, he had also been in the XI against Red Star (played 68 minutes).
“Frenkie talked about it with his coach Hansi Flick in Barcelona, and I talked about it again with Frenkie. He can still make a difference with the way he plays, because he is a complete midfielder, but it remains to be seen how quickly he can return to his own level. First we will play on Saturday and then we'll see,” Koeman said about Arkel's player.
Maximum caution with Frenkie De Jong
Days ago, De Jong confessed that, during his recovery, he came to fear for his sporting career. "I wondered if I would ever fully recover, but I always maintained confidence that I would play football again," admitted the culé midfielder.
Although Hansi Flick had counted on Frenkie in recent games, the player still needs preventative work to strengthen his ankle, a situation that worries both the club and his national team. In any case, no unnecessary risks will be taken regarding the management of your playing minutes.