Xavi issues crucial update on Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong’s return from injury: ‘The key point will be…’

Xavi issues crucial update on Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong’s return from injury: ‘The key point will be…’ Barcelona captain Frenkie de Jong has been out of action since the FIFA World Cup, and a lot has been said about the player’s situation. At first, word had it that he pushed himself through pain and aggravated an otherwise minor knee injury. His decision triggered anger in the fanbase, and even Hansi Flick was said to be unhappy with the captain. Since then, however, it has come to light that it was the Dutch federation that misinterpreted his situation and misguided the star, repeatedly calling his setback minor when it was not so. Ultimately, De Jong was the party to suffer and has not had a minute of action yet this season. Xavi drops a bomb The Netherlands’ new head coach and Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez provided an update on De Jong’s condition and recovery ahead of his first official game in charge of the Dutch side via Mundo Deportivo . The new Dutch NT manager. (Photo by Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images for Laureus) Speaking about the Barcelona captain, Xavi confirmed that the player is looking to return very soon and that his recovery is going well. “I was talking to him, we have a very good relationship. He is happy with how the recovery is going and has very good feelings. And we’ll see, we’ll see,” he began. The manager then dropped a bombshell, officially handing out a date for De Jong’s return to action. “I think the key point will be after this international break, precisely to see if he joins the group and can have good feelings to play at one hundred per cent again,” Xavi said. His words only go on to confirm that the player is on the verge of a return to training and that he can be expected back in training by around the 8th of October when his teammates return from the international break. Needless to say, it comes as a massive boost for Hansi Flick. A blessing for Flick Closing in on a return. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) At first sight, it appears difficult for De Jong to earn back his starting spot under Flick given how Pedri and Rodri have shown astonishing stability in the middle of the park this season. The manager’s stance of having a strong squad and not just a Gala XI, however, stands out stronger with every passing week. Given the hectic schedule, it is growing increasingly clear that the line between starters and substitutes is more blurred than ever before. To have a player of De Jong’s quality back in midfield, needless to say, hands the manager solid depth to periodically rest Pedri and Rodri without weakening the XI. Marc Bernal and Gavi are others fighting for the same spot. De Jong’s recovery timeline is, needless to say, subject to the player’s progress being as expected and without any further setbacks. Barcelona and Flick will hope the player can be back after the break.