Frenkie de Jong faces lengthy Barcelona lay-off after ‘worrying’ knee tests

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is facing the prospect of a long spell on the sidelines after medical tests on his injured knee produced what has been described in Spain as “discouraging” results.

The Dutch international underwent a series of examinations to determine the full extent of the damage, Spanish newspaper AS reported, with doctors yet to reveal either a definitive diagnosis or a clear timeframe for his return.

However, if early expectations over his recovery period are confirmed, De Jong may not be back in action until November – ruling him out of the start of Barcelona’s 2026-27 season.

Knee swelling delays crucial scans

According to AS, De Jong first underwent medical evaluation on 13 July, shortly after sustaining the injury. But severe swelling in his knee prevented club doctors from obtaining the detailed images they needed.

The report says the inflammation was so pronounced that specialists were unable to carry out a full MRI scan in the way they had planned, leaving the initial assessment incomplete and raising early concern about the seriousness of the problem.

Four days later, once the swelling had subsided sufficiently, the 27‐year‐old returned for further tests. Only then were Barcelona’s medical staff able to complete their full diagnostic process.

Test results ‘not encouraging’

Those follow-up tests are understood to have painted a troubling picture. AS reports that the conclusions of the medical evaluation were “غير مشجعة” – “not encouraging” – signalling a potentially significant knee injury.

No official announcement has yet been made by Barcelona on the exact nature of the damage or the expected lay-off, and the club has not publicly confirmed any specific timeline. However, the suggestion that De Jong might not be available until November underlines the seriousness of the situation for both player and club.

The lack of clarity over the final diagnosis has added to the anxiety surrounding the midfielder’s fitness, with Barcelona’s coaching staff now preparing for the likelihood of starting the new campaign without one of their key figures in central midfield.

Injury record adds to Barcelona concern

De Jong’s latest setback comes after a season already disrupted by fitness problems. The former Ajax player, who joined Barcelona in 2019, missed almost two months of last season because of a thigh muscle injury.

That previous spell on the sidelines had already prompted concerns over his recent injury record. This new knee problem, potentially requiring several months of recovery, will heighten questions over his durability at a time when Barcelona are attempting to rebuild and stabilise their squad.

The Dutchman has been a central component of Barcelona’s midfield when fit, valued for his press resistance, passing range and ability to dictate play from deep. His absence for the early part of the season would force the club to consider alternative solutions in the middle of the pitch, whether by reshuffling existing options or accelerating the integration of younger players.

Key absence for club and country

Should De Jong’s absence extend into November, the impact would not be limited to Barcelona. The Netherlands will also be monitoring his situation closely, as the midfielder remains an important figure for the national team.

For now, both club and country must wait for further clarity, with Barcelona expected to provide more detailed information once the full diagnosis is finalised and a rehabilitation plan is agreed.

Until then, the uncomfortable reality for Barcelona is that one of their most influential players is facing what appears to be a significant and poorly timed injury lay-off.