Barcelona superstar returns to national team duty after 14 months | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is back in the Netherlands squad after Ronald Koeman decided to add him to his team for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina during the international break starting on November 11.

It must be noted that De Jong’s return has been widely covered by both the Dutch Football Association and various media outlets, reflecting the significance of his comeback for the Netherlands after a 14-month absence.

The last time he played for his national team was against Ireland in September 2023.

He has been a crucial player for both Barcelona and the Netherlands, but injuries kept him sidelined for an extended period.

Injuries have sidelined de Jong

The midfielder’s troubles began last season, with recurring ankle injuries impacting his form and availability.

He suffered a major setback in April 2024, during a high-stakes match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, where he took a hard hit from Fede Valverde.

This injury left De Jong out of action for 163 days, causing him to miss the prestigious Euro 2024 tournament held in Germany.

His recovery process has been gradual, and he only returned to the pitch for Barcelona on October 1, making his comeback in a Champions League victory over Young Boys.

Now fully fit, the Dutchman is prepared to contribute to the Netherlands’ efforts in the UEFA Nations League. The Dutch team will first go up against Hungary on Saturday, November 16, in Amsterdam at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Then, they will face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday, November 19. Both matches hold considerable weight as the final group-stage fixtures.

For De Jong, this is a valuable opportunity to re-establish his influence on the international stage, supporting his national side as they strive to advance in the competition.