Barcelona, De Jong still some way from return as he continues to feel knee pain
Frenkie de Jong’s rehabilitation is progressing, but his return to action still appears some way off. According to Sport, the Barcelona midfielder stepped back on to the pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva for the first time on Tuesday, completing some running work and individual exercises.
It is an important first step after the serious right knee injury he suffered during the World Cup.
The sensations, however, are not yet positive. De Jong is still feeling pain, especially when he has to slow down or decelerate during running drills. The player has informed the medical staff and, for that reason, remains some way from returning to full training with the group.
Barcelona will take no risks
De Jong is following a conservative treatment plan agreed with the club after suffering an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Barcelona have no intention of rushing his recovery and, for now, no date has been set for his return. The priority is for the pain to disappear completely before his workload is gradually increased. The midfielder will therefore continue to alternate between gym work and individual exercises on the pitch while waiting for his knee to respond in the right way.
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