Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong set for months on sidelines

Barcelona has suffered a major injury setback after confirming Thursday that Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong sustained a knee injury during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that could keep him sidelined for several months.

Frenkie de Jong (L) of the Netherlands vies with Noussair Mazraoui of Morocco during the round of 32 match between the Netherlands and Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico, on June 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)

Spanish media reports had suggested for several days that the 29-year-old had returned from the tournament injured, but Barcelona only confirmed the diagnosis on Thursday.

"Tests carried out on first-team player Frenkie de Jong have confirmed a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee," Barcelona said on its website.

The club said De Jong will not undergo surgery at this stage and will instead follow a conservative treatment plan under the supervision of its medical staff.

"It has been agreed that the player will continue with conservative treatment under the supervision of the club's medical staff. His progress will be monitored over the coming weeks," Barcelona said.

According to Barcelona-based newspaper El Mundo Deportivo, surgery could require around four months of recovery, while a successful conservative treatment approach could reduce his absence. However, De Jong is still expected to miss at least several weeks of the new season, which begins August 15.

Barcelona is also reportedly unhappy with the Netherlands national team after De Jong played at the World Cup while carrying the injury, with the club believing his involvement worsened the problem.