FC Barcelona is grappling with the prolonged absence of Frenkie de Jong, who has been sidelined for 143 days since suffering an ankle sprain on April 21 during a match against Real Madrid. Initially, the expectation was for the Dutch midfielder to return within a few weeks, but his recovery has faced repeated setbacks and complications. His absence has been particularly noticeable for Hansi Flick’s team, which has struggled with a midfield depleted by injuries.

De Jong was called up by the Netherlands for Euro 2024, hoping he would be fit in time for the tournament. However, these expectations fell short, and the player returned to Barcelona to continue his rehabilitation. Since then, his condition has not significantly improved, and the club has recommended surgery to resolve the issue definitively. However, De Jong has opted for a conservative approach, hesitant to undergo surgery without guaranteed success.

Adding to the complexity, De Jong’s contract situation has been a source of tension. As one of the highest-paid players at the club, his future has been uncertain during recent transfer windows. Although Barcelona has offered him a renewal, De Jong and his representatives have expressed dissatisfaction with how the club has handled their contract, particularly following leaks about his deal. These issues have created friction that could impact his future at the club.

De Jong’s extended absence has left Flick with limited options in midfield. The departures of key players like Gündogan and Oriol Romeu, combined with injuries to Gavi and other crucial players, have significantly weakened the team's midfield. Alternatives such as Marc Casadó and Eric Garcia have not fully met the demands of the season, making De Jong's return eagerly anticipated to bolster the midfield.

As the season progresses, Barcelona faces a challenging start with key positions affected by injuries. The return of Frenkie de Jong could be pivotal for a team aiming to compete for major titles, but it depends on whether the midfielder can recover without surgery and if contract negotiations reach a positive outcome.