Barcelona heavyweight could make a comeback from injury layoff as early as next week

It has been close to five months since Frenkie de Jong last played for FC Barcelona. The 27-year-old third captain suffered an ankle injury during an El Clasico in April and has since been out on the sidelines.

Despite being advised to consider the option of surgery, the Dutchman decided to stick with conservative treatment. And after a long wait, he finally returned to group training earlier this week, providing Barça a much-needed boost.

De Jong could be back in action next week

Building on that, SPORT now reports that De Jong could be in a position to make his on-field comeback for Barcelona as early as next week.

Indeed, as per the report, the Netherlands international is much closer to returning to action than fellow midfielder and long-term absentee Gavi.

The former Ajax man’s injury was less serious than that of Gavi, but the fact that it was his third in the same area caused him to take a cautious approach.

SPORT states that De Jong has been training normally with the rest of the group this week, participating in exercises without physical contact, such as rondos, activation, etc.

However, when it is time for the usual small-team matches at the end of the session, both he and Gavi work separately and are left out.

As such, De Jong is expected to return to full training next week and his comeback could be pushed forward to the midweek game against Getafe.

If not, next weekend’s clash against Osasuna or the UEFA Champions League encounter against Young Boys could be when he makes his return.

Barcelona do not intend to take any risks given the time he has spent out on the sidelines, but the feelings are positive and De Jong could soon be back playing in the Blaugrana colours.