De Jong Returns to Group Training After Summer Injury
FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has taken a significant step toward returning to competitive action by rejoining the club’s group training sessions earlier this week, as reported by Barca Universal. The 29-year-old Netherlands international has been sidelined since the summer after sustaining a serious knee injury during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While rejoining his teammates marks a major milestone in his recovery, coaching and medical staff are managing his workload carefully to prevent any setbacks.
According to updates from the Barça Reservat podcast on Catalunya Radio, De Jong is unlikely to feature in the matchday squad until the final week of October. Although Barcelona are scheduled to face Real Madrid in the season’s first El Clasico on October 25, reports indicate that the midfielder’s first competitive minutes could instead come against Deportivo Alaves on December 31, pending a smooth increase in training intensity and full medical clearance from the club.
Conservative Treatment Path and Medical Background
The road to recovery involved a notable divergence in medical strategy between the player and the club management. Following the confirmation of his knee injury, FC Barcelona strongly advised De Jong to undergo surgery to stabilize the joint. However, the Dutch midfielder opted firmly for a conservative treatment plan instead, avoiding an operation and focusing on rehabilitation on the grass.
The club’s preference for surgery stemmed from the initial stages of the injury timeline. After the World Cup concluded, De Jong spent several days on vacation with his family before returning to Barcelona, delaying the immediate immobilisation of his knee. Medical experts note that immobilising the joint immediately can often allow such ligaments to heal naturally without invasive procedures. Because De Jong spent approximately 12 days without immobilising the knee, medical staff feared suboptimal natural healing and an increased risk of future relapse, which prompted the initial push for an operation.
Cautious Approach and Squad Integration
Despite the initial disagreements over the treatment methodology, De Jong’s conservative rehabilitation has progressed well. After weeks of working individually on the grass, his integration into partial group training this week represents the penultimate phase before full squad participation. Barcelona officials have maintained that they will not rush the player back into high-intensity competition, prioritizing long-term fitness over a hurried return for upcoming fixtures.
As the final week of October approaches, the technical staff will monitor the midfielder’s physical response to increased training loads. Avoiding any hiccups during this ramp-up period remains essential as Barcelona navigates a demanding autumn fixture list across domestic and European competitions.