Frenkie de Jong's return to Barcelona has been confirmed after almost four months off the pitch. The Dutch midfielder, who had suffered a knee injury during the World Cup, appeared again in the second half of the Clásico against Real Madrid, where coach HansiFlick introduced him to the midfielder despite the fact that this position is not the usual one in his profile.
During the preparation phase for the season, De Jong was forced to suspend his participation in the first two months of competition. The injury, diagnosed as a rupture of the internal lateral ligament in the right knee, was detected in a medical examination carried out in July while the player was on vacation. Conservative treatment allowed his recovery, although the Dutch Federation's initial diagnosis was wrong, which generated tensions between Flick and the Dutch team.
The forward's return in the Clásico, at 74 minutes, showed flashes of his usual quality, although the Barça team lost. According to locker room sources, Flick was looking to improve possession and reduce vulnerability to white pressure, and thought that De Jong's presence in the midfield would help achieve that goal. However, coaches and players agree that the most natural place for the Dutchman is the pivot or interior, where he can contribute his driving ability and breaking pressure.
The signing of De Jong comes at a time when Barcelona needs to reinforce its double pivot. The coach has pointed out that the team lacked “freshness” in the Classic, especially in the midfield duo who were individually marked by Mourinho's coach. The return of Frenkie, who has shown excellent physical and technical form in training, can offer quality relief to Rodri and Pedri, and help the team overcome the individual marking that has affected its midfield in recent games.
The competition in the midfield is intense, with players like Rodri, Pedri, Gavi, Bernal, Fermín, Olmo, Fariñas and De Jong himself. The Dutchman has expressed his desire to play regularly and has prioritized his sporting well-being over any other consideration. With his injury declared history, De Jong's next objective will be to raise the level of the midfield and contribute to the Champions League dream that the club seeks to achieve.