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Netherlands international Frenkie de Jong has suffered a major setback after being diagnosed with a tear in the medial collateral ligament of his right knee. The Barcelona midfielder spoke out soon after the club’s medical update, explaining the complicated circumstances behind an injury that began during the World Cup.

Serious diagnosis for Dutch midfielder

Barcelona have officially confirmed that De Jong has torn the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, which could keep the playmaker out for a considerable spell. The news is a huge blow for Hansi Flick’s side as they get ready for the new campaign, with the creative centre of their midfield now set for a focused rehabilitation programme. Although the injury is serious, De Jong confirmed that surgery will not be needed at this stage, and instead he will follow a conservative treatment plan to deal with the ligament damage.

This setback follows two injury-hit seasons for De Jong. Two years ago, a lingering ankle issue became a major ordeal and eventually forced him to miss the European Championship. His bad luck carried into the 2025–26 campaign, when a thigh muscle injury ruled him out for almost two months during an important period between February and April.

De Jong plays through World Cup pain

In a detailed statement, De Jong said the problem dates back to his involvement in the World Cup, where he played in four matches before the Netherlands exited in the last 32 against Morocco on penalties. “During the World Cup I injured my knee. After the first scans, the doctors told me it was a small injury and that it would not get worse if I continued playing,” De Jong said. “The only challenge was to play with a little bit of pain, but throughout my career I have done everything that has been necessary to help the team, my club and my country.”

The picture changed when he returned to club duty, where more detailed medical tests showed the real extent of the damage. “During the holidays I returned to Barcelona for more exams. These showed that the injury was more serious than what was initially determined. Luckily, in this state surgery is not necessary and I am totally focused on my recovery and on returning to the field of play as soon as possible,” he added.

Commitment to Barcelona and Netherlands

De Jong, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 for an initial fee of €75 million and has since won three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and three Spanish Super Cups with the club, used the moment to respond to critics who have questioned his commitment. “Normally, I don't pay much attention to what is written about me, but recently there has been a lot of speculation about my injury and my situation at Barcelona,” the midfielder said in his message to supporters.

He added: “It is difficult for me to see that people question my relationship and my commitment to the club with false news. Football is everything to me and I have always given everything for Barcelona and for my country and that is why I want to share what has happened. I take my profession, my body and my responsibility with the team very seriously. But, sometimes, there are things you can't control and this injury is one of them.”

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Looking ahead to recovery

Even with the present setback, De Jong remains positive about his future at Camp Nou and his place with the Dutch national team. “Playing for Barcelona and for the national team makes me feel incredibly proud and my commitment to both will never change. I will continue giving everything for the crest, my teammates and the fans,” he said, before ending with a note of thanks: “There are still many moments to create and challenges that I want us to achieve together. Thank you all for the support. I can't wait to be back.”