Reoccuring injuries caused "mental trauma", admits Frenkie de Jong

After suffering a serious ankle injury towards the end of the previous season, Frenkie de Jong is slowly working to make his return to the pitch. The Barca midfielder spoke in an interview for 'Barca One', revealing the difficulties he has been dealing with during this extended period on the sidelines, as well clearing the air following speculation on his surgical treatment.
"Playing football is what I love the most. So when you can't play important matches, and miss out on the Euros, many matches with Barca... It's a very tough process," he admits. “Throughout my recovery I have chosen to stay silent. It is not true that the club told me I had to have an operation, and I didn't want one. Because everyone at the club, the doctors and myself all agreed that surgery was not the best option."
The Dutch international also spoke out on the mental health repercussions the continuous injuries on his ankle have had on him. De Jong has sustained three set backs on his ankle since last year, which have severely hindered his confidence over time. “Having three injuries to the same ankle caused me a bit of mental trauma. I am gradually regaining my confidence to kick the ball hard and go strong into tackles ... From the outside, the team looks full of energy and quality. I am really keen to be part of that and offer my very best," he explained.
Although it is still too early to see the 27-year-old back in the squad for Barcelona's upcoming Champions League fixture against Young Boys, his participation in last week's training sessions sends positive signals to the club and fans.