Frenkie de Jong refuses surgery and favors treatment
By OnzeActu · · 7 min read
Injured knee during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Frenkie de Jong, captain of FC Barcelona, opts for conservative treatment rather than surgery recommended by the medical staff. This decision creates uncertainty as to his return date and forces the club to wait for the progress of his rehabilitation.
Why it matters
Frenkie de Jong's decision to favor conservative treatment rather than surgery could have major repercussions on FC Barcelona's season. As captain and key player, his prolonged absence could affect the team dynamics and Hansi Flick's strategies, especially at a time when the club must navigate through crucial competitions.
Context
Frenkie de Jong, 29-year-old midfielder, has been a pillar of FC Barcelona and the Dutch national team. His knee injury, which was aggravated during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raises concerns about his future fitness and role in upcoming competitions.
Key points
- Frenkie de Jong refuses surgery and favors treatment.
- Injured knee during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Frenkie de Jong, captain of FC Barcelona, opts for conservative treatment rather than surgery recommended by the medical staff.
- Barcelona captain rejects surgery recommendation as club faces anxious injury wait.
According to information disclosed by Mundo Deportivo, De Jong suffered a complete rupture of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee. The injury, which was initially considered manageable, has gradually become a major source of concern for the Catalan club and their coach Hansi Flick, who now face a period of significant uncertainty.
Despite his injury, De Jong was able to participate in three more matches during the World Cup, but further tests ultimately revealed the severity of the injury. Since the elimination of the Netherlands in the round of 16, the progress of his rehabilitation has been judged to fall short of the expectations of the Barcelona medical staff.
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Faced with this observation, Barça's medical staff recommended surgical intervention in order to ensure the best long-term solution. However, the 29-year-old preferred to delay this option, convinced that convalescence through conservative treatment could be enough.
In the coming weeks, a new medical assessment will be carried out to measure the progress of his recovery. If progress proves satisfactory, De Jong will continue his rehabilitation without going through surgery. On the other hand, a delay or failure in healing would likely result in surgery.
Such a decision would have serious consequences: the operation would involve a prolonged absence of around five to six months, potentially postponing his return to mid-season 2027. This would force Hansi Flick to consider the start of the season without a centerpiece of his midfield.
This situation puts FC Barcelona in a delicate position, as it will have to manage the uncertainty linked to its captain's recovery schedule while optimizing its team composition. The continuation of Frenkie de Jong's rehabilitation will therefore be carefully scrutinized by the club, management and supporters, pending a favorable outcome.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Frenkie de Jong?
Frenkie de Jong suffered a knee injury, specifically a complete rupture of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee, while training with the Netherlands during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who confirmed the severity of De Jong's injury?
Additional examinations revealed the seriousness of the lesion, and the FC Barcelona medical staff recommended surgical intervention.
Why does Frenkie de Jong refuse surgery?
De Jong prefers conservative treatment in the hope of avoiding an operation, convinced that this could be enough for his recovery.
What changes are expected for De Jong?
A new medical assessment will be carried out in the coming weeks to assess the progress of his rehabilitation.
Why is this situation worrying for FC Barcelona?
De Jong's injury, initially thought to be manageable, became a major source of concern for the club and manager Hansi Flick, leading
nt a period of uncertainty.
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