Earlier this week, reports emerged suggesting Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong could finally make his comeback from injury after next month’s international break.
The Catalan derby against Girona, which is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 14/15 September, was scheduled to mark the return of the Dutch international after more than five months.
De Jong needs surgery
Now, however, RAC1 has provided a rather grim update on Frenkie de Jong and his ankle problem.
While there is a chance he could be back on the pitch in September, Barcelona fear that even a small knock to his ankle or a wrong move could see him sidelined again.
In fact, it is claimed that the 27-year-old’s ankle is very sensitive and fragile and that he suffers from chronic instability in this region.
A small knock or a violent tackle could cause a relapse, even if he is ready to play again in a few weeks.
Although De Jong is working to strengthen the affected area, he may never return to full fitness unless he undergoes surgery to correct his ankle problem.
The only practical option would be to completely rehabilitate the affected area and thus put the ligament instability problems behind.
Of course, FC Barcelona is very concerned about the situation, especially after Marc Bernal suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament injury, leaving the team with few options in midfield.
Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has already accused Barça of bringing De Jong back too soon after an injury last season, so all eyes will be on how the club handles the midfielder’s current predicament.
