Koeman Confirms Six-Week Absence for De Jong at Barcelona

Koeman Confirms Six-Week Absence for De Jong and Highlights Pedri-Messi Connection

Frenkie de Jong to miss March international break; Koeman impressed by Pedri and Messi bond at Barca

BlaugranaNews EditorialMarch 09, 20261 min read

So what

De Jong’s injury impacts both Barcelona and the Dutch national team, while Pedri’s development alongside Messi signals Barcelona’s promising future.

Ronald Koeman, coach of the Dutch national team and former Barcelona manager, has confirmed that Frenkie de Jong will be sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a muscle injury in the distal biceps of his right leg. This injury rules him out of the upcoming international break in March.

Koeman emphasized the importance of de Jong’s recovery and regaining match fitness before returning to action. De Jong’s absence is a significant blow given his pivotal role in midfield and influence on the team’s play.

Additionally, Koeman described his first experience with Pedri at Barcelona, highlighting the remarkable connection established quickly between the young player and Lionel Messi. He noted that Messi’s total trust in Pedri was evident since Messi rarely passes to a teammate unless he believes in them. This was a decisive factor in Barcelona’s choice to keep Pedri in the first team rather than loan him out.

Koeman also discussed his coaching future, expressing a preference for managing national teams due to family commitments related to his wife’s health. He ruled out immediate plans to coach a club side.

While de Jong’s injury poses challenges for both club and country, the growth of young talents like Pedri, supported by strong bonds with veterans like Messi, offers hope for Barcelona’s continued success.