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2 months ago
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Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been released from international duty by Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman and will return to the club.
This decision means De Jong will not participate in the upcoming match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the Netherlands has already secured their spot in the Nations League quarter-finals.
The move ensures De Jong avoids unnecessary risks ahead of Barcelona’s crucial league match against Celta Vigo this Saturday.
Not fully fit
De Jong’s return to the national team was notable, as it came 433 days after his last appearance for the Netherlands, where he played 68 minutes in a match against Hungary.
However, his comeback was short-lived, with Koeman deciding it was in the player’s best interest to leave the training camp early. This decision was reportedly taken with medical considerations in mind, prioritising the player’s long-term fitness and form.
Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong are not part of the squad for our final group stage game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the #NationsLeague. ℹ️
@RonaldKoeman: “For both Frenkie and Virgil it is better for them to leave the training camp at this moment. That decision was… pic.twitter.com/EPcqG31Aux
“For Frenkie and Virgil, it is better that they leave the training camp at this time. This decision was made for medical reasons, taking into account, of course, the interest of the players in the first place,” said Koeman.
The midfielder’s recent injury concerns have been a topic of discussion. During Barcelona’s last La Liga match against Real Sociedad, De Jong only played the first half before being substituted at half-time.
He had suffered two significant blows during the game—one to his ankle and another to his knee—which caused discomfort in his tibia. While these injuries were not severe, they warranted careful management to prevent aggravation.
Good news for Barcelona
De Jong’s brief appearance for the Netherlands in the match against Hungary was seen as a positive step in his recovery.
However, lingering discomfort in the following days prompted the decision for him to return to Barcelona to focus on his rehabilitation.
With the Netherlands’ match against Bosnia and Herzegovina carrying little importance, the choice to prioritise De Jong’s recovery was an expected and logical one.
Barcelona will be relieved to have De Jong back early, ensuring he is in the best possible condition for their upcoming matches. His presence in midfield remains vital as they look to maintain their momentum in La Liga.
