Frenkie de Jong Resumes Barcelona Training for Netherlands

Frenkie de Jong has returned to light training at Barcelona as the Netherlands target his availability for the November international window.

Medical staff from the Dutch camp are expected to stay in contact with Barcelona while De Jong builds fitness and match sharpness. The priority is to avoid bringing him back too quickly before the next Nations League fixtures.

Quick facts

De Jong has restarted light work at Barcelona.
The Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 in their latest Nations League match.
Virgil van Dijk made his 100th appearance for his country.
Joshua Zirkzee scored the winning goal after coming off the bench.
The Dutch are joint top of their Nations League group.

Xavi said he hopes more injured players will be in contention by November, with De Jong central to those plans. He described the midfielder as an important, top-level player but stressed that his recovery must be monitored.

The Netherlands have remained unbeaten through four matches under their new leadership, although the defence has continued to face scrutiny after failing to consistently keep clean sheets. The Serbia win followed draws with Germany and Greece and kept the side level at the summit of the group.

Van Dijk captained the team on his landmark 100-cap night, while Zirkzee delivered the late attacking impact. The Manchester United forward’s finish was his second Netherlands goal, after his earlier strike against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Teun Koopmeiners and Tijjani Reijnders have both been used as the coaching staff seek midfield balance without De Jong. Crysencio Summerville was also handed an opportunity and impressed in the win over Serbia.

De Jong’s return remains the major objective. If he can regain enough club minutes before the next call-up, the Netherlands will hope his control and movement can lift a resilient side into a more commanding one as they aim to protect their position in the group.