A return to competitive match action appears to be several weeks away. Reports suggest that his next chance to feature in a match could come in late October, with a potential first appearance of the season possible in late October or December, depending on progress and fitness. Barcelona is prioritizing a careful approach to avoid re-injury.
De Jong has opted for a conservative treatment plan rather than surgery. He began by doing some individual work on the training pitch, then gradually joined parts of group training to reintroduce load and intensity. If no setbacks occur, he is expected to be ready for match involvement by the end of October, as the club avoids rushing his return.
There was earlier discussion about whether surgery would be necessary. Barcelona reportedly preferred surgical intervention, while De Jong chose to pursue non-surgical rehabilitation. The decision was based on the progression of recovery, with the team monitoring the knee closely to ensure natural healing and to minimize relapse risk. The latest updates indicate the midfielder has been recovering well and could be available for action later in the season.
