FC Barcelona Star Frenkie De Jong Cut From Netherlands Team For ‘Medical Reasons’
FC Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has been cut from the Netherlands' UEFA Nations League squad for "medical reasons", as confirmed by the Dutch national team's head coach Ronald Koeman.
The playmaker had been sidelined for most of 2024 thanks to an ankle knock he picked up during a defeat in El Clasico to Real Madrid back in April.
He missed the rest of a trophyless 2023/2024 campaign under since-fired Barca manager Xavi Hernandez - who coincidentally was Koeman's replacement in Catalonia - and also his country's run to the semifinals at the Euros this summer.
De Jong made his comeback in October, but there have been scares such as his hooking at half time by current Barca boss Hansi Flick midway through an eventual 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad eight days ago.
Looking at the positives, however, De Jong turned the tide in another Clasico by helping Barca thrash Real Madrid in the Bernabeu, and was good in another 4-0 win for the Netherlands at the weekend.
While De Jong came on following the interval in the Spanish capital, he started against the Hungarians and managed 68 minutes before being brought off.
Post-match, he admitted to not feeling the "same as before" and also added that he wouldn't start against Bosnia tomorrow with one eye presumably on the Blaugrana's next outing against Celta Vigo away on Saturday.
It appears there has been a plot twist however in that De Jong and Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk have both been ordered home by Koeman.
Speaking at a prematch press conference to preview the Bosnia clash, the former Barca midfielder confirmed the decision by explaining that "for Frenkie and Virgil it is better that they leave the training camp at this time!.
"This decision was made for medical reasons, taking into account, of course, the interest of the players in the first place," Koeman added.
Koeman's decision will be well-received by Flick and those back in Barcelona, who will appreciate their 2019 signing from Ajax not being overused necessarily as he continues on the road to regular playing time and hopefully soon being able to physically withstand 90 minutes.
