Barcelona's De Jong set to miss weeks with serious knee injury

De Jong reacts after the Netherlands are eliminated from the World Cup

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie ⁠de Jong is facing several weeks on ‌the sidelines after the ‌LaLiga champions said ‌the Netherlands international ‌had returned from the ‌World Cup with torn knee ligaments.

De Jong, ‌29, played at ⁠the ‌tournament with a heavy ​bandage on his knee. The Netherlands ​bowed out following a round-of-32 loss to ⁠Morocco ​on penalties.

"The injury was more serious than initially determined. Thankfully, ‌at this stage there is no need for surgery, and I am now fully focused on my recovery," De Jong posted on Instagram ‌on Thursday.

Barcelona start their ​bid for a ‌third straight LaLiga title with a visit to Elche on August 23.