After an absence of more than five months, Frenkie de Jong was finally able to make minutes for FC Barcelona on Tuesday evening. The 27-year-old midfielder came in during the Champions League match against Young Boys, which ended in a convincing 5-0 win for the Catalans.
De Jong sustained an ankle injury at the end of April, so that he not only had to miss a large part of the club season, but also had to let the European Championship pass by. His return was warmly welcomed on Tuesday in the Estadio Olímpic Lluís Companys, where the audience treated him to loud applause.
“I am very happy with the victory and the first three points in the Champions League. That was important for us as a team. And I am especially happy that I could finally be on the field again,” De Jong told the media afterwards.
The public favorite noticed that his raid was a lot released by the fans. “They even sang my name. That really touched me. It was wonderful to hear and feel that they are behind me.”
Yet the International of Orange admitted that he is not yet physically at his old level. “It was great to be back, but at the same time also tough. I still need a few training sessions to get back in shape. That makes sense after such a long period. I know it will take a while before I am top fit again.”
De Jong described his recovery period as heavy and frustrating. Opposite the Spanish newspaper Sport He admitted that rehabilitation has cost him a lot of energy mentally. “If you are injured, it is always difficult. The process took a long time and was full of setbacks. There were times when I was really hard on.”
De Jong left the middle whether he will soon start again in the base. “That is up to the trainer. The team is doing well, so I will have to work hard to earn my place back. I am willing to give everything.”
This Sunday, FC Barcelona will play a league match against Alavés. This is followed by an international match, but De Jong is not part of the pre-selection of the Dutch national team for the Nations League matches against Hungary and Germany.
With his return, De Jong seems to have taken an important step towards a complete comeback. Although he is not yet at his top level, the relief is clearly visible. His return is seen as a reinforcement for both Barcelona and – in the long term – the Dutch national team.
