Barcelona proceeding with extreme caution over midfield heavyweight’s injury

As Barcelona gear up for the season ahead, the club are dealing with multiple injuries, especially in the midfield unit.

Frenkie de Jong is among the players nursing from an injury and might not be available for the start of the new season.

The Dutchman was initially expected to return to action in Barcelona’s opening league game against Valencia, but recent reports suggest otherwise.

Barcelona remaining cautious with de Jong

A recent report from Catalunya Radio has offered an update on Frenkie de Jong’s fitness. It appears the club are proceeding with caution in regards to the Dutchman’s injury.

The report adds that Barcelona want to make sure de Jong does not aggravate his injury, knowing his extended absence could serve as a massive blow for the club.

Barcelona want de Jong to return to full fitness before returning to action (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Dutch international, after all, is regarded as one of Barcelona’s most important midfielders and that is unlikely to change under the leadership of new coach Hansi Flick.

The German tactician believes de Jong will be a crucial member of the first team going forward, even amid speculation over his future at the club.

New contract on the horizon?

Barcelona, in fact, are exploring the idea of renewing the contract of de Jong, whose current deal at Camp Nou expires in 2026.

The Catalans want to extend de Jong’s deal in order to secure his long-term future at Camp Nou. At the same time, they want to restructure the package of the former Ajax starlet – making the midfielder’s salary all the more sustainable going forward.

Keeping that in mind, Barcelona are expected to speed up de Jong’s renewal process in the coming weeks. Whether or not the Dutchman is on board with this renewal, though, remains to be seen.