Barcelona: De Jong out 5-6 months with complete rupture of right knee internal lateral ligament

Published Jul 23, 04:48 PM UTC

FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been diagnosed with a complete rupture of the internal lateral ligament of his right knee, according to a medical report released on July 23, 2026. The injury will likely require surgery, with an estimated recovery time of five to six months, meaning he will not return to the pitch until 2027. The club is furious with Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, the Oranje medical staff, and the player himself, believing de Jong played 110 minutes against Morocco while injured, receiving an injection before the match. Barcelona was not informed of the injury until later. The club's Sports Commission, led by Deco, must now reassess plans, including a potential transfer of Marc Casadó, though the defensive midfield position is considered well-covered by Marc Bernal, Eric García, Gavi, and others.

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