Barcelona endured a difficult evening on Sunday as they fell to Real Sociedad, marking only their second defeat of the season. However, the result was overshadowed by a distressing moment for Frenkie de Jong, who had to leave the field at halftime after sustaining an injury.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who had just returned to the starting lineup the previous week against Red Star Belgrade after a grueling five-month absence, was visibly distraught as he exited the pitch. According to Sport, de Jong sustained a blow to his tibia and took a knock to his ankle, raising fears of a recurrence of his previous injury. Reports indicate that he was emotional and deeply worried, reflecting the psychological toll of his recent challenges.
Fortunately, de Jong’s injury turned out to be less severe than initially feared. He joined his Dutch teammates for international duty without serious concerns, as medical checks revealed only a bruise on his tibia. Nonetheless, the situation hints at lingering physical and mental vulnerabilities, as he has yet to fully regain his form and resilience on the field.
Barcelona’s dependence on a fully fit de Jong remains strong, especially given his potential to play a central role this season. With his contract expiring in 2026, the club faces critical decisions regarding his future, including whether to extend his contract or consider a transfer next summer. For now, the priority remains his complete recovery, as Barça supporters and management alike hope to see him return to his best form soon.
