THE FUSE

The situation represents a significant blow to Hansi Flick’s tactical planning as he prepares for his debut season at the helm of the Blaugrana. The club’s medical team has expressed a clear preference for surgery, believing it to be the only definitive way to resolve the underlying issue. However, De Jong’s preference for a non-invasive approach is expected to keep him sidelined for at least four months, with some estimates suggesting he could be out for up to half a year depending on his body's response to treatment.