Barcelona angry at injured midfielder over his decision to not opt for surgery - report
FC Barcelona is reportedly frustrated with midfielder Frenkie de Jong for refusing surgery on a lingering injury. The club believes the conservative treatment approach has failed and is hindering their ability to plan for the upcoming season.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the tension between player autonomy and club management regarding medical decisions and squad availability in professional sports.
Frenkie de Jong is the single biggest absentee for Barcelona heading into the new season.
The Dutch midfielder picked up an injury during the World Cup and has been sidelined ever since, leaving a notable void in Hansi Flick’s midfield.
Now, however, it appears his situation is starting to cause genuine tension behind the scenes at the club.
According to Diario SPORT , Barcelona are growing increasingly frustrated with de Jong, who continues to reject the possibility of undergoing surgery despite his lack of progress.
More than six weeks have passed since the Dutchman finished his World Cup campaign on June 30, yet the conservative treatment he opted for has not delivered the expected results.
The club feel a point has been reached where surgery is the logical next step, but the player remains reluctant.
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