Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says he hopes to be able to rely on Frenkie de Jong again soon as the Netherlands midfielder continues his recovery from a knee injury.
De Jong suffered a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his knee in July. The 29-year-old opted against surgery and is instead following conservative treatment, with the aim of returning to action by the middle of October.
“I hope to be able to count on De Jong soon,” Flick said.
The midfielder’s decision to avoid an operation means his recovery is being managed without surgical intervention. Barcelona are therefore working towards the anticipated mid-October return date as De Jong continues his rehabilitation.
De Jong is an important figure at Barcelona, and his absence has left Flick waiting for the midfielder to regain fitness. The club’s head coach has now made clear that he is hoping the Netherlands international will be available again in the near future.
The injury occurred in July, when De Jong damaged the medial collateral ligament in his knee. Rather than undergo surgery, he chose a non-surgical approach, with the expectation that it could allow him to return to the pitch around the middle of October.
That timetable remains central to the midfielder’s recovery. For now, De Jong is focused on conservative treatment, while Barcelona await his progress and a possible return to first-team football.
De Jong joined Barcelona’s midfield ranks and remains under contract with the Catalan club for another three years. His current deal is due to expire in three years, meaning his long-term future is already secured beyond the immediate period of rehabilitation.
Flick’s comments underline Barcelona’s desire to have De Jong back available as soon as his recovery allows. However, the only target specified is a potential return by mid-October, following the decision to treat the knee injury conservatively.
The midfielder’s recovery will therefore remain a key point of attention for Barcelona. Until he is fit again, Flick must wait before being able to select De Jong for the club’s matches.