Barcelona’s Dutchman makes first group training return after two months

On a rain‑soaked Tuesday at the Ciutat Esportiva, Frenkie de Jong slipped onto the training pitch, marking his first group‑session appearance since his right‑knee injury sidelined him for nearly two months. The Dutchman’s partial participation was confirmed by SPORT, signalling a tangible step forward in his rehabilitation.

Progress after a delayed comeback

De Jong had been slated to rejoin the squad on Monday, but heavy rain forced him to remain in the gym, postponing his first substantial session with teammates by 24 hours. Last week he had already posted footage of himself handling the ball on the training ground, offering a glimpse of his recovery.

Tuesday’s drill saw him engage in light possession work alongside the midfield unit, a clear upgrade from the individual rehab work that dominated his previous weeks. While the midfielder completed part of the session, Hansi Flick stressed that the club will not rush him back into competitive action.

Barcelona expect Frenkie de Jong clearance within a week

Timeline before a match‑day return

Flick estimates that de Jong still requires another two to three weeks to regain full match sharpness, making an immediate appearance against Getafe on Saturday, October 10, unlikely. The manager’s realistic target is a return later in October, once the Dutchman’s workload can be safely increased.

Barcelona have managed their midfield without de Jong this season, but his absence has not dramatically altered the team’s balance. When fully fit, his ability to dictate possession and link defence to attack will give Flick greater tactical flexibility.

The club’s immediate priority remains building de Jong’s training load cautiously, avoiding any setback that could prolong his absence. As the October schedule tightens, having the Dutch midfielder back in contention will be a significant boost for Barcelona’s midfield depth.