The Dutch side finished the Clásico with notable discomfort, and the situation will keep Frenkie de Jong away from the national team during the upcoming international window. His club form at Barcelona will be watched closely as the March break unfolds, with the midfielder stepping back from duties with the Netherlands to focus on recovery.
De Jong has effectively left the Dutch squad for the March international period. Although he had been selected to take part in the next round of fixtures for his country, medical and fitness assessments led to his withdrawal after the Clásico clash. The move underscores the careful management of his workload amid a demanding calendar and the need to protect his long-term availability for Barcelona and the national team alike (Goal).
What injury does De Jong have
Official communications from the Dutch national team confirmed that De Jong is sidelined primarily due to hamstring concerns. The Barcelona midfielder, who played the full 90 minutes in the recent match against Real Madrid on March 19, underwent an MRI that indicated the necessity of rest and rehabilitation. The medical guidance is aimed at ensuring a safe and steady return to peak condition, reducing the risk of a longer spell on the sidelines (Goal).
Which matches can you lose with Barcelona?
As a consequence of the hamstring issue, De Jong will miss the two Netherlands fixtures in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign against France and Gibraltar. The absence is a setback for the national team, but the timing offers a window for his recovery and eventual reintegration. The plan is for him to be ready to rejoin the squad when the La Liga schedule permits, balancing international duty with club commitments (Goal).
Looking ahead for Barcelona, the calendar remains busy. The team has a road trip to Elche scheduled for April 1, followed by a visit to Real Madrid on April 5. That match will be crucial as Barcelona navigates the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, a tie that could influence the club’s confidence and momentum as the season progresses. De Jong’s status will therefore be watched closely by Barcelona supporters and staff, who understand the importance of preserving his fitness during a demanding phase of the campaign (Goal).
Overall, the injury situation highlights the broader conversation about managing players who wear both club and country colors. While De Jong’s absence from the international window is regrettable for Netherlands fans, it reflects a pragmatic approach to player welfare and strategic scheduling. The next steps will involve precise rehabilitation, careful monitoring, and a return to competition that ensures he can contribute meaningfully to Barcelona and the Dutch setup in the months ahead (Goal).