Report: Barca's De Jong to miss rest of season with ankle sprain
Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.
Frenkie de Jong is set to miss the rest of the season after Barcelona confirmed on Monday the midfielder suffered an ankle sprain in the Clasico in La Liga at the weekend.
The Dutch international is however expected to be fit for Euro 2024 in the summer, with Spanish media reporting he will be sidelined for around five weeks.
"Tests taken on Monday have confirmed that Frenkie de Jong has sprained his right ankle," said Barcelona in a statement, without specifying the length of his expected absence.
De Jong was taken off on a stretcher just before half-time in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over the Spanish champions at the Santiago Bernabeu, hurt after a challenge by Fede Valverde.
It is the third time De Jong, 26, has sustained an ankle injury this season and he only recently made his return from the previous problem on April 10.
The Netherlands face Canada and Iceland in tune-up friendlies on June 6 and 10 respectively before the European Championship begins on June 14.
Ronald Koeman's side are in a tough Group D alongside France, Poland and Austria.
De Jong will hope to feature in the team's first match against Barcelona team-mate Robert Lewandowski's Poland on June 16.
The Clasico defeat leaves champions Barcelona 11 points behind La Liga leaders Madrid in second place.
HEADLINES
- Celta take big step toward safety, Granada on verge of relegation
- Barcelona women retain Liga F title in pursuit of historic quadruple
- Girona cap fairy-tale season with historic Champions League berth
- Xavi braced for 'huge' changes at Barca after another sorry display
- Real Madrid win 36th La Liga title after Barcelona surrender to Girona