De Jong highlights his recovery and his attachment to Barcelona

Jong is highlighting both his recovery and his attachment to Barcelona as the team prepares to resume training on Monday after nine days off. The injured players continued their rehabilitation during the break. Frenkie de Jong was among those who kept working and is nearing a return to the pitch.

The Dutch midfielder is in the final stage of recovering from a tear to the medial ligament in his knee, sustained last summer during the World Cup. Aged 29, the Netherlands international posted images showing him running, working with the ball and changing pace, as well as training in the gym.

De Jong followed conservative treatment and declined surgery. He intends to rejoin group sessions gradually from next week, when Barcelona returns to training after Flick gave the non-international players time off. His return to training and then matches is expected to be cautious: injuries have troubled him in recent seasons and, after many months out, the club does not want to risk a relapse.

In a reported statement, De Jong said: « They are damaging my image ».