Hansi Flick has shared a fitness update on Frenkie de Jong as the midfielder continues to recover from a knee injury.
The Dutchman sustained the issue during World Cup 2026 but the injury was only diagnosed after the competition when he returned to Barcelona.
There’s currently no date set for De Jong’s return, although he’s expected to be out for some time, but Flick says he is improving.
“First of all, it’s important that we go day by day. He’s getting a little better. We have a very long season, with
a lot of games, and I’m happy that a fantastic player like Frenkie is in our squad. The competition is maximum, but it is good news,” he told reporters.
Yet Flick also seemed to sound out a warning to De Jong that he will have to fight for his place once he is fully fit once again.
“We have to manage all the players well, they come from playing a lot of minutes in the World Cup,” he added.
“Everyone wants to play, but no one is above the team. The team is number one.”
De Jong is still not ready to even return to training with Barcelona. He reportedly tested out his knee earlier this week on the training ground but was still feeling pain.
