De Jong out weeks to months with knee injury

FC Barcelona confirmed Frenkie de Jong has torn the medial collateral ligament in his right knee and will undergo conservative treatment under medical supervision. The injury was diagnosed after he returned from World Cup duty with the Netherlands, where he played through pain. While reports vary, the new briefing suggests the issue could keep him out for weeks to months, potentially ruling him out of the start of the new La Liga season, though no surgery is currently planned. De Jong has expressed a focus on recovery and commitment to his club and country amid the setback. Barcelona and the player emphasize monitoring and non-surgical management as the preferred approach while the team prepares for the campaign. The development has attracted wide international coverage as Barca navigate the season without a key midfielder.