Ronald Koeman sparks fresh Frenkie de Jong injury worries after Barcelona return | OneFootball

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has admitted Frenkie de Jong was 'scared' about his return to action after spending close to six months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

De Jong's extended absence was a source of both controversy and concern for his club, Barcelona, with many in the boardroom reported to be demanding a faster return after the Dutch international declined to undergo surgery.

He returned in October's victory over Young Boys, playing 15 minutes off the bench, before adding another nine minutes late in the win over Alaves before the international break.

Koeman, however, left De Jong out of his international squad to give the midfielder as much time as possible to focus on his condition after spending so long out on the sidelines.

"We spoke on the phone last week and, with all due respect, he is still too far away [from being fit enough]," Koeman told a press conference when asked about De Jong's absence.

"He played a little and just that was scary for him. It was difficult for him. Frenkie needs to find his rhythm and be in 100% shape and I think he still has some way to go for that."

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has spoken of his excitement towards working with De Jong but will undoubtedly be keen to avoid rushing him back to action. The emergence of 21-year-old Marc Casado, who already has seven starts to his name this season, means Flick can afford to take his time with De Jong.