Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has opened up about the profound impact of his recent ankle injury, revealing a complete transformation in his approach to injury prevention and match preparation. The Dutch international, who has just returned to action following a devastating five-month layoff, shared insights into his new, meticulous pre-match routine that has become essential to his continued participation in the sport.
Speaking candidly to Voetbal International, de Jong described how what initially seemed like a routine injury during an April El Clasico transformed into a career-altering experience. “Before I didn’t even think about my ankle before matches,” the midfielder reflected, highlighting the stark contrast with his current situation. “Now, I have to take much more care of it. I have to put ice on it, I have to make extra preparations to train.”
The severity of de Jong’s injury journey became apparent when what was initially diagnosed as a five-to-six-week recovery stretched into a grueling five-month absence from the game. This extended period on the sidelines not only impacted his contributions to Barcelona but also forced him to miss crucial international fixtures with the Netherlands, marking his first extended absence from the national team since September 2023.
The psychological impact of the injury was evident during Barcelona’s recent 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad, where concerns of a potential relapse led to visible distress. Reports emerged of an emotional de Jong in tears in the dressing room after being substituted by manager Hansi Flick at halftime, underscoring the mental challenges that accompany such a significant injury.
De Jong’s return to the Netherlands squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures represents a significant milestone in his recovery journey. However, national team manager Ronald Koeman is taking a cautious approach with the midfielder’s reintegration. With matches against Hungary on Saturday and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday, Koeman has indicated that de Jong may be limited to substitute appearances as he continues to work toward full match fitness.
The midfielder’s new approach to injury prevention represents a broader shift in how modern footballers must adapt to the increasing physical demands of the sport. His detailed preparation routine now includes specific treatments before both training sessions and matches, reflecting a more comprehensive understanding of injury prevention and management.
For de Jong, this new reality represents more than just a temporary adjustment. “I think this will continue to be the case for a while,” he acknowledged, suggesting that these additional precautions may become a permanent fixture of his professional routine. “I will have to pay attention to that ankle for a longer period of time.”
This situation highlights the delicate balance that professional athletes must strike between maintaining peak performance and ensuring long-term physical well-being. The intensity of modern football, with its packed schedules and high-stakes matches, places unprecedented demands on players’ bodies, making injury prevention increasingly crucial.
As de Jong prepares for the Netherlands’ crucial Nations League fixtures, his experience serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change in professional football. His journey from taking his ankle health for granted to implementing a comprehensive care routine illustrates the evolution that players often must undergo following serious injuries.
The midfielder’s return comes at a crucial time for both club and country. Barcelona continues to navigate a challenging season, while the Netherlands faces important Nations League matches that could shape their international campaign. How de Jong manages his return to regular action, particularly with his new approach to injury prevention, could prove crucial for both teams’ aspirations.
For young players and professionals alike, de Jong’s experience offers valuable lessons about the importance of proactive injury prevention and the need to adapt one’s approach when circumstances change. His openness about these challenges provides insight into the often-unseen aspects of professional football, where physical preparation and injury management play as crucial a role as technical skill and tactical awareness.
