Frenkie de Jong, the 29-year-old Netherlands and FC Barcelona midfielder, has been sidelined with a knee injury since June 16 and is only just beginning to consider a return to the Catalan squad in the near future. AS has provided an update on the process ahead for him, and he is reportedly already certain to miss the match against Paris Saint-Germain on October 20, during Matchday 3 of the 2026–2027 Champions League.
” the game against Alavés at the Camp Nou on November 1 the earliest opportunity for his return.”
In fact, as AS has learned, his first day training with the group will be next Monday, October 5; however, this will be a partial session involving only a limited number of players, as the majority are still away with their national teams. It will not be until four days later that Frenkie can complete a full training session alongside most of his teammates.
This entire process will take between 15 and 20 days—especially considering he missed the preseason and has been out of action for nearly four months. Consequently, he will certainly not be available for the matches against PSG or Real Madrid, making the game against Alavés at the Camp Nou on November 1 the earliest opportunity for his return.
Please note that this is not an official medical update. Consequently, not every detail is certain; De Jong could be ahead of or behind schedule. Nevertheless, an appearance against PSG seems unlikely—at least in terms of being 100% match-fit for such a game. The key will be monitoring his return to training; it is safe to assume this will be handled without taking any unnecessary risks.
Especially since Barça has started the season very strongly and is under absolutely no pressure to rush things. Still, the Dutchman’s return would be welcome news, and all parties will do their best. We will be keeping an eye on the situation to see if this asset will be available to coach Hansi Flick.
