Barcelona worried about star player's injury; could miss start of 2024-25 season - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly worried about the injury of their star player Frenkie de Jong, who could potentially miss the start of the 2024-25 season. He has not had the best season at the Nou Camp, struggling with a recurring ankle issue.
The 27-year-old midfielder missed seven La Liga games from September to December 2023 due to an ankle sprain. His ankle was badly affected, as he then missed nine matches from March to May 2024, ending the season on the sidelines.
He has also missed out on quite a few games for the Netherlands, making his last appearance in a national jersey in September 2023. He didn't get called up for EURO 2024, as he continues to work towards improving his ankle situation.
According to a report from Diari ARA (via Barca Universal), De Jong's recurring issues have caused some worries for Barcelona. The report has revealed that there might be a chronic problem, which could affect the midfielder in the long term. Aside from this, surgery is not guaranteed to fix the problem, which means De Jong has to focus on physical therapy.
There are no guarantees that he will be available to play for Barcelona at the start of next season, after missing so many games last season. With the time of his emergence from the sidelines currently uncertain, this has affected Blaugrana's plans to use him as the main man in the midfield.
This has also led to some worries about his future at the club, as a continued absence will potentially raise questions about letting De Jong go. With other clubs aware of his proneness to injury, it may not be easy for the Blaugrana to get a good sum of money if they sell him off.
Barcelona prodigy lashes out at critics ahead of Spain vs Germany in EURO 2024
While Frenkie de Jong is out of contention for the foreseeable future, Barca star Lamine Lamal is having the time of his life for club and country. He played 50 games in all competitions for Barcelona last season, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists.
He has taken this form into EURO 2024, providing two assists in four games and helping Spain reach the quarter-finals. However, former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann criticized the Spaniards for their youth and inexperience, terming them a "team of kids".
Lamine Yamal reacted to this, with the 16-year-old telling La Sexta (via Barca Blaugranes):
“It’s his opinion, what’s he going to say? He’s German. It’s an attempt to destabilise us. We don’t listen to anyone, we will show what we are on the pitch. More than help Germany, it helps Spain, but the best thing is to show it on Friday. Let’s see if we are small and innocent.”
He will be hoping to help Spain proceed to the semi-finals by beating hosts Germany on Friday, July 5.