Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong once feared his nagging ankle injury would never heal, but he's thrilled to be back on the international stage after more than a year out.

De Jong is set to feature in Saturday's Nations League clash when the Netherlands host Hungary in their penultimate group match in Amsterdam. De Jong made his last international appearance against Ireland in September 2023.

He made his long-awaited return to Barcelona last month after almost six months out of action and was withdrawn on Sunday when Barcelona lost to Real Sociedad, but fears that he would miss out again for the Netherlands were allayed when he arrived at the camp on Tuesday.

"I first got a blow on the muscle next to my shin and then another kick, but it was nothing to do with my knee or ankle. I knew it was not a serious injury, but it did bother me a lot," De Jong said.

Frenkie de Jong returned to action in October after being sidelined for over five months with a troublesome ankle injury. Since his long-awaited comeback, he has made just two appearances (against Crvena Zvedza and Real Sociedad), neither of which saw him last the full 90 minutes.

There are still doubts over de Jong's fitness, as his ankle has not fully recovered from the knock he suffered against Real Madrid in April. According to Sport, Ronald Koeman, the 27-year-old's Netherlands coach, is among those concerned.

“Frenkie has spoken about his situation with his coach, Hansi Flick, in Barcelona. I have also spoken with Frenkie. But I don’t even know if he can play 90 minutes in a game.

“He can make a difference with the way he plays because he is a complete midfielder, but it remains to be seen how long it will take him to regain his best level. First we will play against Hungary, and then we will see.”

It will be interesting to see how much action de Jong sees over the international break, but Barcelona will hope it isn't too much. The best case scenario would be for him to continue his return to 100% sharpness without suffering any ill effects.