Frenkie de Jong returns to Barcelona training as Raphinha works alone

Frenkie de Jong has returned to training with Barcelona for the first time since suffering a knee injury, as he moves into the final stages of his recovery from damage to his right knee.

Raphinha was the only Barcelona player to train individually during the session.

De Jong’s return to group training had initially been expected on Monday. However, his comeback was delayed until Tuesday after Barcelona’s players completed their entire session inside the gym because of poor weather conditions, according to Sport.

The Netherlands international’s recovery is progressing positively and he is feeling well, the report added.

Barcelona previously confirmed that medical tests had identified a tear to the medial collateral ligament in De Jong’s right knee. The club did not give an expected timeframe for his absence.

De Jong started all of the Netherlands’ matches at the World Cup before their involvement in the tournament ended on 30 June.

The midfielder later said the national team’s medical staff had not accurately assessed the injury. He indicated that he believed he was able to continue playing without making the problem worse.

De Jong has also struggled with injuries in recent times. Last season, he missed almost two months because of a muscle injury to his thigh.