FC Barcelona have confirmed that midfielder Frenkie de Jong suffered a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Dutch international will undergo conservative treatment instead of surgery but is expected to miss a significant part of the new season. Barcelona may place him on the long-term injury list and seek FIFA compensation.

Madrid: FC Barcelona have suffered a major injury setback after confirming that Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong sustained a knee injury during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that could keep him sidelined for several months.

Spanish media reports had suggested for several days that the 29-year-old had returned from the tournament injured, but Barcelona only confirmed the diagnosis. "The Dutch midfielder has suffered a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee," the La Liga club said in a statement.

"Tests carried out on first-team player Frenkie de Jong have confirmed a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee," Barcelona said on its website.

The club said De Jong will not undergo surgery at this stage and will instead follow a conservative treatment plan under the supervision of its medical staff.