Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong will not return to action until November end

In what could be a big blow for FC Barcelona, key midfielder Frenkie de Jong is unlikely to return from injury until the end of November, reports Toni Juanmarti of SPORT.

De Jong has been out of action since late September when he sustained an ankle injury during the first half of the game against Celta Vigo.

There had been hope that the 26-year-old could return against Real Madrid last week, but Barça decided against taking any risk as he felt discomfort.

The Netherlands international was also absent from today’s squad list for the away game against Real Sociedad.

Frenkie will miss a few more matches

Now, SPORT’s Toni Juanmarti is claiming that apart from not being available for tomorrow’s trip to Anoeta, Frenkie de Jong will miss a few more matches in the coming weeks.

It is claimed that Barça do not wish to take any risks with the Dutchman’s recovery as he is still feeling some discomfort in the injured area.

As such, the former AFC Ajax midfielder will now miss the upcoming matches against Shakhtar Donetsk and Deportivo Alaves.

The idea is for the Netherlands international to make his return after the international break when Barcelona take on Rayo Vallecano on November 25.

What did Xavi say?

Speaking about De Jong’s condition earlier today in his press conference, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez admitted that the midfielder was still feeling some discomfort.

“It depends on his feelings. Pedri has a good feeling, but Frenkie hasn’t yet. He has tried but he is in pain,” said Xavi of the Dutchman’s condition.

“Injuries are going well, calm down. 30% of the questions are about injuries. Frenkie has a bad feeling, it hurts,” he added.

When he picked up the injury, initial reports had suggested that De Jong would be out until mid-November.

However, the player tried to speed up his recovery in lieu of the important matches, but as things stand, he will remain sidelined until the last week of November.