Netherlands manager 'worried' by Frenkie de Jong's injury battle

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has confessed he is beginning to worry about the ankle injury plaguing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

De Jong was stretchered off during a clash with Real Madrid in April and has not been seen since, with no return date given, and is not yet believed to be fit enough to even return to training, let alone consider competitive action.

It was the last of three ankle injuries suffered by De Jong in the 2023/24 campaign, prompting many to advise the Dutchman to undergo surgery to try and repair his issues permanently. A decision on going under the knife has not been made public.

With De Jong's condition still a mystery, Koeman admitted there is reason to be concerned about the midfielder.

"Frenkie de Jong's situation is worrying, because it's a long time he's been out for," Koeman told the media. "I understand that things are getting better and better, but he's not fully fit yet.

"He has suffered an annoying ankle injury three times in a row. There's damage and it takes time to recover. That takes a long time, but let's hope he recovers completely. That's good for us too."

Mundo Deportivo reported last week that Barcelona had issued De Jong with an ultimatum, warning him that he must accept surgery or declare himself fit enough to play for the team after the international break.

De Jong, however, is in no rush to return until he feels fully healthy - a stance which has only increased the tension in his relationship with club officials.

READ THE LATEST BARCELONA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP