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

By Javier Miguel, AS Contributor in Barcelona

Updated: July 23, 2026 — 18:48 CEST

The worst possible news has been confirmed this Friday: Frenkie de Jong has suffered "a complete rupture of the internal lateral ligament of the right knee," according to the official medical report. The injury will almost certainly require surgery, and AS has learned that the estimated recovery time is between five and six months, meaning the Dutch midfielder will not return to the pitch until 2027.

This is a major blow for Hansi Flick, who has lost one of his key midfield pieces for a large portion of the season. The absence now needs to be assessed by the Sports Commission, led by Deco, especially with plans on the table for a potential transfer of Marc Casadó. Despite the setback, the defensive midfield position appears well covered, with Marc Bernal, Eric García, Gavi, Xavi Espart, and Andreas Christensen all considered possible candidates.

MEDICAL STATEMENT "The tests carried out on first-team player Frenkie de Jong have determined that he suffers a rupture of the internal lateral ligament of the right knee. It has been agreed that the player will continue under treatment and medical monitoring, pending his progress…" — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es), July 23, 2026

Anger Over Mismanagement

At the Blaugrana club, there is astonishment at what they describe as disastrous management by Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands national team doctors, and the player himself. According to AS, the club is certain that De Jong played the last match against Morocco while already injured, lasting 110 minutes on the field and requiring an injection before the match to be available.

The club was not informed of this situation and only learned of it much later. However, the real indignation came when De Jong advanced his return and showed up on July 13 at the Ciutat Esportiva to speak with Flick and undergo preliminary tests on his right knee. The state of inflammation in the knee prevented a complete diagnosis, postponing the tests by four days while waiting for the internal hematoma to reduce. Initial assessments already pointed to possible ligament damage.

On Friday, the bad news was fully confirmed: a rupture of the internal collateral ligament of the right knee, opening the door to surgery. The injury will keep him off the pitch for five to six months, with a return not expected until January 2027.

Club's Stance on World Cup Risks

The club acknowledges that during a World Cup, risks must be taken and situations forced — but only when everything is under control and with proper professional supervision. From the dressing room, sources emphasize that there was clear negligence on the part of:

• The coach, who made De Jong play extra time knowing he was injured
• The doctors, who allowed such a situation to occur