The situation of Frenkie de Jong at FC Barcelona has become a major talking point for a long while now.
It has been nearly five months since the midfielder played a game, having been out with an ankle injury he suffered in April against Real Madrid.
There have been talks of a return soon after the international break but nothing is guaranteed at this point as De Jong does not want to return to action until he is 100% fit, which would require him to undergo surgery – something that he is reluctant to do.
Barcelona, as a result, are stuck in a quandary with regard to the Dutchman, who happens to be their highest earner.
Surgery could sideline him until 2025
Now, according to ARA, Barcelona are starting to lean towards the option of surgery for Frenkie de Jong, even though it would mean that the midfielder could be out of action until 2025.
The Dutchman’s recovery has gone much slower than anticipated and there remains a sense of discomfort and a fear of relapse as far as his situation is concerned.
De Jong, who has not played or trained since April, has not been able to cope with the demands of the club and is still far from the full potential that Hansi Flick is hoping for.
The German tactician did not count on him on the tour and, as per the report, does not know when he will be able to start fielding him in the league.
As the recovery is not going well, Barça have asked the player to consider the option of having surgery on his right ankle after three injuries last season.
The accumulation of problems in the ankle syndesmosis is usually treated without surgery, but as this plan has not worked, the club begin to see clearly that the operating room is the only solution for the case, even if this means losing De Jong until well into 2025.
“Perhaps there is no other option,” they argue.
However, the midfielder, who is being advised from outside the club, is opposed to it for the time being. And he has his reasons because having surgery does not guarantee that he will have his joint back as it was before.
As Barça cannot force him to undergo surgery, De Jong is the owner of his short-term destiny. “We are at the expense of what he says,” they say from the club.
That is to say, the 27-year-old’s sensations will first mark his return to training and, in his case, will later lead to a medical discharge.
