Frenkie de Jong has torn the medial collateral ligament in his right knee but says he has “no need for surgery” after playing through pain at the World Cup.
The 29-year-old featured in every one of the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign before being taken off in extra time of their round-of-32 loss to Morocco, appearing to be limping.
In a statement released on his social media, the midfielder said after first assessments during the summer’s tournament the doctors told him it was a “small injury” and “wouldn’t get worse” if he played on it. He was subsequently “playing with some pain” until their exit, something he said he has done previously to “contribute to the team, both for my club and my country”.
Following further examinations, however, Barcelona confirmed the torn ligament injury on Friday and said “it has been agreed that the player will continue to receive treatment and be monitored by medical staff, pending his recovery over the coming weeks”.
De Jong said in his statement the injury was “more serious than initially determined” but he would not be having surgery.
“Normally, I don’t pay much attention to what is being written about me, the team or the club. But recently, there’s been a lot of speculation about my injury and my situation at Barça,” he said.
“It’s difficult for me to see people questioning my relationship and commitment to the club because of false reports. Football is everything to me, and I have always given everything I have for FC Barcelona and my country. I am now fully focused on my recovery and returning to the pitch as soon as possible.”
De Jong missed 16 games through muscular injuries and illness last term, but played 38 games in all competitions for Barcelona as they won La Liga and reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
“Every day, I work to be in the best possible shape,” he continued. “I take my profession, my body and my responsibility to the team extremely seriously. But sometimes there are things you cannot control, and this injury is one of them.
“Playing for Barça and Oranje is something I feel incredibly proud of, and my commitment to both will never change. I will continue to give everything for this badge, for my teammates and for our fans. There are still many moments to create and goals we want to achieve together. Thank you for all your support. I can’t wait to be back.”
Barcelona’s first game of the 2026-27 season comes away to Elche in La Liga on August 23.
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