According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong was originally scheduled to participate in most of the team's group training session on Monday, October 5 (local time), marking a significant step in his recovery from a right knee injury. However, due to heavy rainfall and severe weather warnings in Barcelona, the team canceled outdoor grass training for the day, with all players training indoors in the gym instead. Consequently, De Jong's return was postponed by one day, and if weather permits, he will rejoin his teammates for pitch training on Tuesday.

Sport photographed De Jong arriving at Barcelona's training complex at 8:35 AM local time on Monday, making him the first player to enter the facility that day. This session was initially planned to be a crucial milestone in his recovery, but sudden poor weather disrupted the arrangements.

In addition to De Jong, goalkeeper Joan García and defender Eric García also arrived at the training facility early that day. García had remained in Barcelona for recovery during the international break due to right knee discomfort, while Eric García, a Martorell native, had withdrawn early from Spain's national team training camp as a precaution.

De Jong's knee injury dates back over two months to the World Cup. He began experiencing knee discomfort during the Netherlands' group stage match against Sweden but continued playing for the national team, even completing 110 minutes in the match against Morocco. The Netherlands were ultimately eliminated in the quarter-finals on penalties.

Upon returning to Barcelona, De Jong underwent further examination, which revealed a tear in the medial collateral ligament of his right knee. After evaluation, the player and club decided to pursue conservative treatment rather than surgery.

Since then, De Jong has been gradually recovering according to his rehabilitation plan. If weather conditions allow the team to resume outdoor training, Tuesday will mark another important stage in his recovery.

For Barcelona, De Jong's impending return comes at an ideal time. Hansi Flick's team is currently in excellent form, maintaining strong momentum in La Liga and has opened up a significant points gap with Real Madrid. Although the league season is far from over, Barcelona's current competitive state is satisfactory.

There is no need for Barcelona to rush De Jong back into competitive matches. The club can allow the Dutch midfielder to gradually regain his match rhythm, ensuring he returns to play only when fully fit.

De Jong's return will also provide Flick with more midfield options, helping the team manage the physical demands on key players.

The international break has increased the workload for some Barcelona players. For example, midfielder Rodri has recently accumulated significant playing time for both club and country and will need proper rest upon his return. With De Jong's gradual recovery, Flick will have greater flexibility in managing midfield rotation, allowing frequently used players to receive necessary rest.

Barcelona is currently functioning well overall, and De Jong is nearing his return. Once the heavy rainfall subsides, he is expected to return to the training pitch on Tuesday and resume group training with his teammates.

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