De Jong tears knee ligament, out at start of Barcelona season
Barcelona said surgery is not needed, but De Jong may miss the LaLiga opener against Elche on Aug. 24.
Frenkie de Jong will miss the start of the 2026/2027 season after Barcelona medical tests found a tear in the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee. The Dutch midfielder sustained the injury while playing in the 2026 World Cup. Barcelona has not given a firm recovery timetable, but the club said De Jong will be treated under the supervision of the medical staff and does not need surgery for now. Mundo Deportivo reported he could miss the LaLiga opener against Elche on Aug. 24 and, in the worst case, could be sidelined for several months. De Jong later rejected suggestions that he put the national team ahead of the club, saying initial checks during the tournament indicated the injury was minor.