Barcelona says De Jong out for months after Cup knee injury

FC Barcelona has confirmed that midfielder Frenkie de Jong suffered a significant knee injury during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an injury that is expected to sideline him for several months. The club announced on July 24 that medical tests revealed a tear of the medial collateral ligament in the Dutch international's right knee.

The 29-year-old will not undergo immediate surgery, instead following a conservative treatment plan under the supervision of the club's medical staff. His progress will be monitored in the coming weeks. While a successful conservative approach could shorten his recovery time, he is still expected to miss at least the opening weeks of the new La Liga season, which begins on August 15. Barcelona is reportedly unhappy with the Netherlands national team, believing that De Jong's participation in the World Cup while carrying the injury worsened the condition.

The injury presents a significant sporting and financial challenge for the club. Barcelona is reportedly considering registering De Jong on the long-term absentee list, a procedure that requires the player's consent. This would free up room within the team's strict salary cap. Under FIFA's Club Protection...