Overview
- Barcelona medical checks after the World Cup confirmed a tear to the medial collateral ligament in De Jong’s right knee and the club has been managing his rehab carefully.
- De Jong chose conservative, non‑surgical treatment rather than immediate operation and has been following a phased rehab program under club supervision.
- During a short individual session at the Ciutat Esportiva on Tuesday he felt pain when braking and stopped after only a few minutes, which the club says keeps a return to group training some way off.
- Barcelona have set no return date and will not increase his workload until the pain subsides, leaving surgery as a possible next step that would extend his absence and affect squad planning.
- The setback has raised concern from Netherlands coach Xavi, contributed to internal tensions at Barcelona that included the captaincy change, and helped prompt the club to sign Rodri as cover in case De Jong is sidelined long term.