De Jong (knee) could begin progressively rejoining group training Monday, Oct. 5, after working alone at the Ciutat Esportiva on Saturday, according to Sport.
Analysis:De Jong will take his next step toward match fitness by gradually rejoinning group training from Monday after working individually with the ball on the pitch through the international break. The Dutch midfielder will still require a structured period of progressive conditioning to rebuild his match fitness, strength, and sharpness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with his return to action dependent on how his knee responds to increased workload. He has yet to feature this season after damaging the medial collateral ligament in his knee during the World Cup, an injury managed conservatively without surgical intervention. His return to full availability will likely see him serve in a more rotational role within the squad following the arrival of Rodri.
