Frenkie de Jong’s emotional rollercoaster at Barcelona took another turn recently, as the Dutch midfielder faced an unexpected setback. Returning to full action after a five-month absence due to an ankle injury, De Jong showed promise in his initial games back, including a solid performance against Young Boys on October 1st. However, a new injury scare during Barcelona’s match against Real Sociedad brought him to tears in the locker room, a stark reminder of the struggles he continues to endure on his path to full recovery.

During the first half of the match, De Jong suffered two painful blows—one to his tibia and another to his ankle—that raised concerns about a potential recurrence of his previous injury. The pain and fear of a new setback visibly affected the midfielder, who was seen crying in the locker room during halftime, according to David Bernabéu in Sport newspaper. Coach Hansi Flick, not wanting to risk his player's health, decided to substitute him with Dani Olmo, marking the end of De Jong’s evening on the pitch. The midfielder left the stadium limping, still affected by the pain he felt in the area around his left knee.

Fortunately, medical evaluations later confirmed that De Jong had avoided any serious injury, providing a sigh of relief for both the player and the club. However, the emotional reaction in the locker room highlighted a deeper issue: De Jong’s struggle with self-confidence since returning from his lengthy recovery. He’s playing with visible caution, hesitating in challenges, avoiding aggressive tackles, and holding back on taking shots or dribbling in tight spaces. This mental and physical hesitancy is a significant hurdle in regaining his peak form.

De Jong’s recent inclusion in the Netherlands national team squad for the UEFA Nations League matches against Hungary and Bosnia Herzegovina could offer a chance for gradual progress. Under the guidance of coach Ronald Koeman, the Dutch international might find the opportunity to build back his confidence and secure important minutes on the field. Still, his journey to full recovery is not only physical but mental, as he battles lingering fears of reinjury that continue to impact his play.

As Barcelona struggles with other high-profile injuries to key players like Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, Flick is left managing a team in a precarious state, with limited options and several players working their way back to full strength. For De Jong, the season remains an ongoing test, one where physical resilience and mental determination will be crucial to his ultimate success on the field.