Frenkie de Jong has reported to training with his club Barcelona earlier than expected after a disappointing end to Netherlands World Cup campaign, De Telegraaf reports.
The midfielder was due to report to training along with compatriot Memphis Depay and Brazil’s Raphinha but the Dutch player wanted to come back a little bit earlier than expected.
The former Ajax player enjoyed a few days off with his girlfriend Mikky Kiemeney in Paris after Oranje were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on penalties to Argentina.
But rather than enjoy a few more days of rest, the 25-year-old was keen to report back to head coach Xavi as Barca look to prepare for rest of the La Liga season with a local derby against Espanyol on New Year’s Eve at the Nou Camp.
La Liga leaders sit two points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid and have an impressive record of conceding just five goals in 14 league matches while Espanyol are sitting just a point above the relegation zone with a five match winless run in the league under their belts going into this match.
Teammates and French internationals Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele will join up with the rest of the squad next week after they lost in the final against winners Argentina.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Tom Phillips
