Frenkie de Jong withdraws from the Netherlands squad with a glute injury suffered against Poland in World Cup Qualification. His absence impacts both the Oranje’s campaign and Barcelona’s plans, with doubts over his availability for the Valencia clash.
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Alarms are ringing in Hansi Flick’s squad after yet another case of the so-called FIFA virus, a term often used when players return from international duty carrying injuries that put their clubs in difficult situations.
This time it is Frenkie de Jong who has been affected. The Barcelona midfielder was forced off in the 83rd minute of the Netherlands’ World Cup Qualification clash against Poland after complaining of discomfort in his glute. Medical tests confirmed that he would not be able to feature in the next qualifier, leading the Dutch federation to announce that he had officially withdrawn from the squad.
“Frenkie de Jong has left the Oranje squad. The midfielder is not fit to play the World Cup qualifying match against Lithuania following the game against Poland. Take care, Frenkie!” read the federation’s statement, which immediately raised concerns in both the Netherlands and Spain.
De Jong had started the match in Warsaw, which ended in a hard-fought draw between Robert Lewandowski’s Poland and the Oranje. Despite playing well in midfield, dictating the tempo and linking up with teammates, he suddenly signaled to the bench after feeling pain. Ronald Koeman responded quickly, substituting him for Quentin Timber, who came on to finish the match.
In his post-match press conference, Koeman explained the decision to take no chances with one of his most important players. “He told us he was feeling some tightness in his glute, so we didn’t want to take any risks,” said the coach, who will lead the Dutch side into their next game against Lithuania in Kaunas on Sunday, September 7. Koeman stressed that while the injury did not appear to be serious, with World Cup Qualification at stake it was not worth the risk of aggravating the problem.
The absence of De Jong is a blow to the Netherlands, who currently sit top of their group but are level on seven points with Poland and Finland. Every point matters in the qualification race, and losing a midfielder of his caliber ahead of a tricky away fixture could affect the team’s rhythm and control in midfield. Koeman will now have to reshuffle his options, with players like Mats Wieffer, Joey Veerman, and the younger Timber brothers likely to shoulder more responsibility in De Jong’s absence.
The news is equally concerning for Barcelona. The Catalan giants return to LaLiga action on September 14 against Valencia, and Frenkie de Jong’s availability for that fixture is now in doubt. Xavi Hernández, who sees De Jong as one of the cornerstones of his midfield, may have to prepare for another match without him. Barça’s injury list is already a source of frustration: Alejandro Balde is out for three weeks, Gavi is still managing discomfort in the knee he had surgery on, and rising star Lamine Yamal is also uncertain after finishing Spain’s win over Bulgaria with minor back issues.
For Barcelona, this comes at a crucial stage of the season. The club is defending its LaLiga crown while also looking ahead to the group stage of the Champions League. Missing key players, particularly in midfield, disrupts the balance of the team. De Jong’s ability to carry the ball, control tempo, and connect defense with attack is unique, and there is no direct replacement for him in the squad. Without him, Barça may need to rely more heavily on the likes of Pedri, İlkay Gündoğan, and youngster Fermín López, who could be thrust into greater responsibility.
Frenkie de Jong’s injury also highlights a recurring tension between clubs and national teams. Barcelona have often expressed concern about the intensity of international breaks, with players returning fatigued or injured at a time when clubs are entering decisive phases of their season. The so-called FIFA virus has become a familiar talking point across Europe, and this latest case will once again raise questions about player management and scheduling.
For now, all eyes will be on De Jong’s recovery. Barcelona’s medical staff are expected to carry out further assessments when he returns to the club, determining whether he will be fit in time for the clash with Valencia or if he will need a longer rest. In the meantime, the Netherlands must adapt without one of their leaders, while Barcelona prepare for the possibility of navigating another tough fixture list without one of their most influential figures.
