Frenkie deJong has been medically cleared and is once again available for FCBarcelona, after a period of absence that has lasted for more than a year. The Dutch midfielder, who had been out of action since the injury suffered in the World Cup, is now on the list for the next match against Betis and can once again join HansiFlick's team.
Last year DeJong was the victim of a series of physical problems that cost him nine games with the club. The first incident occurred on September 5, when he suffered a minor muscle injury to the external obturator of his right leg during the National Team's match against Lithuania. This injury caused him to miss the match against Valencia, but he recovered quickly. The second blow came on February 26, during training, when he tore the distal biceps of his right leg. This damage kept him out of six games, including games against Villarreal, Atlético, Athletic, Newcastle, Sevilla and Rayo. On May 11, a third loss was recorded without the club revealing the nature of the injury, which caused DeJong's absence in the games against Alavés and Betis.
The most serious injury occurred between June 3 and 30, when the player participated in the World Cup with the Dutch National Team despite having discomfort. During the tournament, DeJong played six games without arriving in optimal condition. At the conclusion of the World Cup on July 23, the club confirmed that the injury was a tear of the internal collateral ligament in the right knee, an injury that had remained undiagnosed during the tournament. In an interview, the player explained that he had suffered an accident when a teammate fell on him, causing a minor knee injury. Despite the discomfort and pain, he was told he could continue playing, and DeJong decided to continue participating because “the World Cup is a dream” and “I love playing.”
The impact of the injury on the season has been significant: Barcelona lost ten games with DeJong out, including matches against Elche, Athletic, Rayo, Valencia, Feyenoord, Levante, Racing, Sevilla, Getafe and Galatasaray. Furthermore, the Dutch team lost four games with his absence, against Germany, Serbia, Greece and Serbia again. With his discharge, the midfielder is once again at Flick's disposal, although the position he will occupy on the field is in the hands of Rodri, and the coach is already contemplating the possibility of trying DeJong as a left-wing central midfielder.
With DeJong's recovery, Barcelona prepares for the next game against Betis, and the team will have to decide how to integrate the player into its tactical scheme after a season marked by injuries. The expectation is that the midfielder can contribute his quality and vision in the midfield, as the club seeks to regain the consistency it has lost in recent months.