The absence of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong for almost five months due to an ankle injury has become a matter of grave concern at the club.

The 27-year-old has been out of action since late April and even though it was expected that he could return in a matter of few weeks, that was not the case.

De Jong has still not fully recovered from the ankle issue and as such is reluctant to rush back without returning to 100% fitness.

The Blaugrana have suggested the idea of undergoing surgery, but the Netherlands international has refused that route and intends to continue with conservative treatment.

Why is De Jong reluctant to undergo surgery?

Earlier today, former Barcelona presidential candidate, Victor Font, revealed why De Jong is unwilling to undergo surgery.

Font, who fired shots at Joan Laporta & co. for the way things are being run at the club, sympathised with De Jong’s situation and explained the midfielder had let him know the reason for his reluctance to go under the knife.

“I met him by chance this past weekend and he told me that he prefers not to have surgery, because although from the club they have proposed it, they do not give him guarantees of success,” Font said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Indeed, De Jong is not considering the surgical route as there are no total guarantees that the issue will be fully resolved.

As reported earlier this week, surgery would put him on the sideline for an extended period, possibly even until 2025. With no guarantee of addressing the injury completely, it is understandable why the 27-year-old is reluctant.

So, with the Dutchman continuing with conservative treatment, only time will tell when his return could take place.