De Jong resumes group training with Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong has taken a major step toward his return to action for Barcelona. The Dutch midfielder took part in partial team training with his teammates for the first time since sustaining a serious knee injury. De Jong had spent recent weeks doing individual work, but on Tuesday he rejoined the squad. It is another positive sign in his recovery process, with the midfielder yet to play a single minute for Barcelona this season.

Despite the progress, manager Hansi Flick has no intention of taking any risks with the 29-year-old's return. De Jong is expected to require more time to reach peak physical condition, with hopes that he will be ready to feature later in October. Barcelona host Getafe on Saturday, but De Jong will not be rushed back for the clash. The Catalans are hopeful his phased reintegration into training continues as planned, allowing him to return at full fitness for the crucial stages of the campaign.