Barcelona in a dilemma as superstar refuses surgery but is reluctant to play with discomfort | OneFootball

It has been over four months since Frenkie de Jong last played for FC Barcelona. The 27-year-old Dutchman has been out of action since April after suffering an ankle injury during an El Clasico encounter against Real Madrid.

Even though initially it was expected that the midfielder would be returning in only a matter of weeks, things have not gone according to plans thus far.

Recent reports, though, have suggested that De Jong might be close to returning to action, soon after the current international break.

However, at the same time, it has also been suggested that the former AFC Ajax man needs surgery to completely address the issue and return to 100% fitness.

De Jong’s stance on return

Now, Mundo Deportivo has come forward with an update on Frenkie de Jong’s situation and how Barcelona are dealing with the matter.

With Ansu Fati expected to be back after the international break, Barcelona’s next target is to facilitate the return of De Jong as well.

Four months out. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Four and a half months on from his injury and with Barça’s midfield absentees, his presence is becoming more and more necessary. As such, Hansi Flick and the club’s medical staff want to sit down with him and clarify things now.

The issue is that De Jong does not want to have surgery to address the issue, but at the same time, neither does he want to play with any kind of discomfort.

What the club wants is for him to play again, while managing any minor discomfort he may suffer on his return. However, if he does not want to be back until he is one hundred per cent recovered, he should seriously consider having surgery.

In that case, Barça would want him to decide and do it as soon as possible so that, if he finally undergoes surgery, he will be in time to help the team in the final stretch of the season.