Frenkie de Jong will miss the Netherlands’ UEFA Nations League opener against Germany as the midfielder continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained during the World Cup. The Arkel-born midfielder faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines after damaging the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. He is working towards a return to action later this year, with Barcelona pursuing a conservative treatment plan rather than surgery. His absence leaves a significant void in the Dutch midfield for the marquee international fixture against Germany.
This current lay-off adds to a difficult period for De Jong, who has previously dealt with physical setbacks while on international duty. However, references to matches against Real Mallorca, Milan, Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Real Betis, Alavés and Valencia, as well as line-ups featuring Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Jordi Alba and João Cancelo, do not relate to Barcelona’s current 2026 campaign and have been removed.
At club level, Barcelona had already secured the midfielder’s future through a contract renewal ceremony on 15 September 2025. The event was attended by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, first vice-president Rafael Yuste, board member Joan Soler and sporting director Deco. However, with De Jong sidelined, Barcelona had already moved to strengthen Hansi Flick’s midfield by signing Rodri from Manchester City in August 2026. The 30-year-old Spain international and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner joined the club on a contract running until June 2030.
The loss of De Jong comes during a significant period for Barcelona, but the fixture results, player statistics and goalscorer totals included in the original copy could not be independently verified for this article’s publication date and have therefore been omitted.
With the Netherlands set to begin their UEFA Nations League campaign against Germany, national-team staff must adapt without one of their principal central creators. De Jong’s priority remains completing his rehabilitation and returning to full fitness later this year.
