Here is the latest update from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-23 18:50:00.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is poised to miss the start of the new season, with reports indicating he could be sidelined for several months due to a knee ligament injury. The 29-year-old sustained the injury during the recent FIFA World Cup 2026, where he played all four matches as the Netherlands exited in the round of 32 against Morocco.
On July 23, 2026, Barcelona confirmed through a statement that medical tests revealed De Jong suffered a tear in the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of his right knee. The club indicated that while surgery is currently not required, treatment will continue under the watchful eye of their medical staff, with regular assessments planned going forward.
While Barcelona hasn’t provided a specific timeline for his recovery, sources suggest he will definitely miss the LaLiga opener on August 23 against Elche, with the potential of being out for a few months. De Jong responded to allegations that he prioritized national duty over club commitment by emphasizing his dedication to both Barcelona and the Netherlands.
In a statement, he articulated his frustration with the accusations, stating, “It’s challenging to see people question my commitment due to false reports. Football means everything to me. I’ve always given my all for Barcelona and my country.” He explained that during the World Cup, initial examinations indicated his injury was minor, permitting him to play through discomfort. However, later assessments disclosed the severity of the injury.
De Jong faced several fitness challenges in the past season, particularly muscle-related issues that led him to miss 11 matches. Despite this, he managed to feature prominently for his national team during the World Cup in North America, participating in key fixtures. After the match against Elche, Barcelona will face Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano in consecutive home matches as they commence their LaLiga title defense.
With De Jong out, Barcelona appears relatively prepared, with young talents like Pedri and Gavi among the options to fill the midfield void. Additionally, the club is focused on enhancing their offensive lineup, having recently secured Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi as their second summer signing.
FAQs
How long will Frenkie de Jong be sidelined?
It’s unclear, but he is expected to miss several months, including the LaLiga opener.
What is the nature of De Jong’s injury?
He has a tear in the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of his right knee.
Key Facts
- Category:
- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-23 18:50:00
Read more on the FIFA World Cup 2026 right here as the tournament continues.
Tags: #Barcelonas #Frenkie #Jong #knee #set #months #sidelines
Tags: #Barcelonas #Frenkie #Jong #knee #set #months #sidelines
