Barcelona frustrated as Frenkie de Jong rejects foot surgery

Tensions are rising at Barcelona regarding the injury management of Frenkie de Jong. According to reports, the club's hierarchy is increasingly frustrated with the Dutch international, who continues to decline surgery on his persistent foot injury.

Barcelona’s medical staff maintains that surgery is the only definitive solution to the issue. However, De Jong prefers a non-invasive approach, a decision that is expected to keep him sidelined for at least four months, with potential recovery times reaching six months. This stalemate presents a significant challenge for Hansi Flick as he prepares for his debut season.

Beyond the medical disagreement, there is growing resentment within the club offices regarding De Jong's perceived priorities over the past year. Many feel the 29-year-old was not fully committed during the final stretch of the previous campaign, seemingly focusing more on arriving fit for the World Cup with the Netherlands.

The current situation is complicated by Barcelona's pursuit of Manchester City’s Rodri. If the Spanish international arrives, he would likely take the primary pivot role, further squeezing De Jong’s position in a squad already featuring talents like Marc Bernal and Gavi. Given the breakdown in trust, the general consensus at the Ciutat Esportiva is that this could be De Jong’s final season at the club.