The 2026 World Cup has largely been successful for Barcelona players, with 12 still competing as the tournament reaches the last 16 stage. However, Frenkie de Jong and the Netherlands were eliminated after losing on penalties to Morocco in the round of 32.
De Jong appeared in four matches but faced criticism for not delivering his best. It was later revealed that he played with a knee injury during three of those games—against Sweden, Tunisia, and Morocco. He spent 72, 59, and 110 minutes on the pitch respectively in these matches, raising concerns for Barcelona about the workload he endured.
With the Netherlands out, Barcelona’s other midfielders, Pedri and Gavi, remain active with Spain, increasing their load while de Jong is expected back for pre-season preparations. Reports from Barcelona suggest that his knee issue is not long-term, and he should be fit for the start of the 2026/27 season.
Tactically, de Jong holds a vital role as a central midfielder for Barcelona, responsible for orchestrating attacks and controlling the game tempo. His recovery and return will be crucial for Hansi Flick’s side, especially as Pedri and Gavi continue their international commitments. This balance bodes well for Barcelona’s squad depth moving forward.
