Frenkie de Jong Takes Major Step Forward in Recovery

Frenkie de Jong has taken a major step forward in his recovery as the Barcelona midfielder has returned to individual ball work on the pitch.

De Jong has been training alone at moderate intensity and has gradually increased his physical workload, with his sensations reportedly improving significantly in recent days.

The Dutchman had previously been working mainly without the ball, focusing on exercises and straight-line running as he recovered from his right knee injury. He had also experienced discomfort with lateral movements, but his condition has now improved enough for him to resume work with the ball.

Despite the encouraging progress, Barcelona is taking no risks with De Jong's recovery.

The midfielder is expected to need another two to three weeks before he can return to group training. The club's medical and coaching staff will reassess his condition after the international break before deciding on a more precise timetable for his return to competitive football.

That means there is still no fixed date for De Jong's comeback.

Barcelona's decision to avoid rushing him is particularly important given the nature of the injury and the need to make sure he can handle progressively greater physical demands before returning to full team training.

For now, however, the latest development represents genuine progress. De Jong is back on the grass, working with the ball again and moving closer to the final stages of his rehabilitation.