Sun Nov 17 00:54:05 UTC 2024: ## De Jong’s Ankle Injury Clouds Dutch National Team Prospects
**Barcelona, Spain** – Frenkie de Jong’s return from a five-month injury layoff is proving to be a cautious one. The midfielder, sidelined since April after an ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid, has only started twice for Barcelona since his October comeback, failing to complete 90 minutes in either match.
Concerns remain about the full recovery of his ankle, with doubts expressed by both his club and national team coaches. Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman admitted uncertainty over de Jong’s fitness, stating, “I don’t even know if he can play 90 minutes in a game.” While acknowledging de Jong’s talent and importance to the team, Koeman stressed the need to monitor his progress closely, particularly during the upcoming international break against Hungary.
Barcelona will be closely watching de Jong’s minutes during the international matches, hoping to avoid any setbacks that could hinder his full recovery. The club’s priority is for him to gradually regain full fitness without further injury.
First Piper 