Frenkie de Jong

de Jong (knee) is progressing through the final stage of his recovery from the MCL tear suffered during the World Cup and is targeting a return to Barcelona team training around Oct. 8, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Analysis: de Jong has continued with conservative treatment since suffering the right knee injury and has so far avoided surgery. The midfielder is already doing light running and straight-line exercises on the pitch, though he has yet to resume ball work or match-specific training, meaning several steps remain before he can return to action. Barcelona hope he can rejoin the group following the October international break, provided he suffers no setbacks, but he'll still need time to rebuild match fitness before being considered for competitive minutes.

Aug 25, 2026

Battles pain in return to grass

De Jong (knee) stepped onto the pitch at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva on Tuesday to do individual work and continues to progress in his recovery, though he still feels pain, according to SPORT ES.

Analysis: De Jong has been working his way back from a medial collateral ligament tear in his right knee, sustained during the World Cup, with Barcelona opting for conservative treatment since. On Tuesday, he did some solo running and controlled drills to gauge how the knee responds, though discomfort persists, particularly when braking. With the club and player unwilling to rush things, his workload will only build once the pain eases, and group training remains some way off. Even once available, he could struggle to reclaim a starting role with Rodri and Pedri currently locked into the midfield, unless Hansi Flick opts to use him in a more advanced position.