Frenkie de Jong to undergo Barcelona medical tests after Netherlands injury scare

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will undergo further medical examinations on Monday after being substituted at half-time during the Netherlands’ 7-0 victory over Greece on Friday.

The 29-year-old reportedly felt discomfort before the match and told Xavi about the issue ahead of kick-off. He was replaced at the interval of the emphatic win in Amsterdam.

“Frenkie came to see me even before the match. He was feeling discomfort in his back. At halftime, we thought it was best to substitute him,” Xavi said after the game.

The manager played down the seriousness of the problem and suggested the decision had been made as a precaution.

“It’s nothing serious. Everyone will be available on Monday. It was 5-0 and I’ve just returned from an injury, of course, so that was fine. As a precaution,” he said.

“It’s not like I have a lot of match rhythm yet. And with all the traveling, the internationals, and recent history as well, of course, there was no need to take any risks.”

However, new reports from Dario AS indicate the issue could be related to pubalgia. De Jong is now expected to return to Barcelona, where he will undergo additional tests to establish the extent of the problem.

The Netherlands international has played in four matches for Hansi Flick’s side this season since recovering from a pre-season injury.

Any further absence would add to Flick’s concerns, with Barcelona already without star signing Rodri while Jules Kounde and Dani Olmo are working to regain fitness and return to action.

Barcelona are due to resume their La Liga campaign after the FIFA break with a home fixture against Villarreal at Camp Nou. De Jong’s availability for that match will depend on the results of the medical examinations in Barcelona.