Netherlands supervisor Ronald Koeman has admitted Frenkie de Jong was ‘scared’ about his return to motion after spending shut to 6 months on the sidelines with an ankle damage.
De Jong’s prolonged absence was a supply of each controversy and concern for his membership, Barcelona, with many within the boardroom reported to be demanding a quicker return after the Dutch worldwide declined to bear surgical procedure.
He returned in October’s victory over Younger Boys, taking part in quarter-hour off the bench, earlier than including one other 9 minutes late within the win over Alaves earlier than the worldwide break.
Koeman, nonetheless, left De Jong out of his worldwide squad to present the midfielder as a lot time as potential to give attention to his situation after spending so lengthy out on the sidelines.
“We spoke on the cellphone final week and, with all due respect, he’s nonetheless too distant [from being fit enough],” Koeman instructed a press convention when requested about De Jong’s absence.
“He performed a bit and simply that was scary for him. It was tough for him. Frenkie wants to search out his rhythm and be in 100% form and I believe he nonetheless has some method to go for that.”
Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick has spoken of his pleasure in the direction of working with De Jong however will undoubtedly be eager to keep away from dashing him again to motion. The emergence of 21-year-old Marc Casado, who already has seven begins to his title this season, means Flick can afford to take his time with De Jong.
