"With all due respect, he is still far away" - Koeman says Barcelona star is not even close to being called up for the Netherlands
Midfielder Frenkie de Jong is still some way off full fitness, former Barcelona manager and current Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has revealed. The Dutch tactician spoke to the midfielder and claimed it was still too early for him to think of getting back on the pitch.
Koeman gave an update on De Jong's fitness during a recent press confrence, confirming the latter was still recovering. He also urged the midfielder to take his time and not rush through his comeback, saying (via BarcaBlaugranes):
"I spoke to Frenkie de Jong on the phone. With all due respect, he is still far away. It is too early. He found playing for fifteen minutes exciting and tough. He still needs to play for a while and get into a rhythm."
Earlier this year in June, the Netherlands manager had criticized Barcelona after the midfielder was ruled out of EURO 2024. He claimed that the club had pushed him to make a return even before he was ready and said:
"We came to a conclusion that even in the next 3 weeks, De Jong will not be fully ready. He has a history with this injury. His club took risks before and now we have to pay the price. I know that he played while he was not 100% ready."
Frenkie de Jong was ruled out of EURO 2024 just before the tournament. He was initially expected to make his comeback in time for the group-stage matches. Four months on, he is yet to return to training following an ankle ligament injury.
Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong on his injury
In September thisbyear, Frenkie de Jong cleared the air on his injury situation. He claimed that Barcelona never asked him to get an operation, contrary to the rumors. He said (via TheEuropeanLad):
"Throughout my recovery I have chosen to stay silent. It is not true that the club told me I had to have an operation, and I didn't want one. Because everyone at the club, the doctors and myself all agreed that surgery was not the best option.
"It is not true that I earn 37 million, that's a very big figure and is a long way off what I really earn. Having three injuries to the same ankle caused me a bit of mental trauma. I am gradually regaining my confidence to kick the ball hard and go strong into tackles ... From the outside, the team looks full of energy and quality. I am really keen to be part of that and offer my very best."