Anger is escalating within FC Barcelona over the ongoing Frenkie de Jong injury crisis. Nearly six weeks have passed since his knee injury with no tangible improvement, yet the Dutch midfielder continues to prefer conservative treatment and is actively avoiding surgery.
A Controversial 2026 World Cup Campaign
De Jong is suffering from a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee, an injury sustained while playing for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup. Medical tests conducted upon his return to Barcelona revealed that the damage is far more severe than the initial diagnosis suggested.
According to Spanish reports, Barcelona officials are deeply frustrated with how the Dutch national team’s medical staff handled the situation. They are equally displeased with the player’s decision to continue playing through the pain, particularly against Morocco in the Round of 32. During that match, which ended in the elimination of the Oranje, De Jong remained on the pitch for 110 minutes.
De Jong defended his stance, explaining that the national team doctors assured him the injury was minor and would not worsen if he kept playing. He was told the only issue would be pain tolerance—a claim that was disproved once Barcelona’s medical team uncovered the true extent of the damage.
The Surgical Dilemma and a Worrying History
The club’s concerns are mounting as the player firmly rejects surgical intervention. Some medical specialists argue that surgery might be the most guaranteed route to properly heal the ligament, even if it delays his return to action until late this year or early 2027.
This latest crisis has reopened the troubling file of De Jong’s injury history. Last February, he was sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring injury. Furthermore, recurrent ankle problems previously kept him out of action for about six months across two different spells, causing him to miss a total of 31 matches.
Rodri: The €75 Million Solution?
Given the sheer uncertainty surrounding his return date, Barcelona has made a strong move to sign Rodri as the designated replacement in the defensive midfield role. The Catalan club has successfully secured the Spanish player’s approval but still faces the hurdle of reaching a financial agreement with Manchester City.
The English champions swiftly rejected Barcelona’s initial offer, demanding a fee in the region of €75 million. However, Joan Laporta’s administration continues its relentless efforts to finalize the deal. Securing Rodri’s signature has become increasingly urgent due to De Jong’s prolonged absence and the administration’s waning confidence in his ability to stay injury-free.
