Barcelona’s ongoing defensive injury issues have led coach Hansi Flick to confront several tough choices recently. The squad’s defenders have been sidelined, with Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, and Xavi Espart all currently out due to injuries.

In a positive development, it was reported earlier today that Christensen had returned to partial group training, offering a potential fitness boost for the team. However, Mundo Deportivo reports that he is not expected to feature against Aston Villa on Tuesday.

It seems increasingly likely that Christensen will also miss the clash with Atletico Madrid next Sunday, as Barcelona opts to monitor his recovery carefully.

Progress Made, But Uncertainty Surrounds Christensen’s Return

The Danish international has made significant strides in recovering from the thigh injury sustained against Sevilla in September. Over the past three seasons, Christensen has struggled with injuries, and Barcelona is keen to avoid any setbacks in his recovery.

Barcelona wants to prioritize his full recovery to avoid any long-term issues. Christensen’s absence is confirmed for the match against Aston Villa, but the team is still evaluating his status for the game against Atletico Madrid.

Flick’s Defensive Dilemmas Continue

Barcelona’s lack of depth in defense became apparent during their match against Alaves, where Flick had to fill in positions creatively by utilizing Frenkie de Jong as a centre-back and giving Brian Farinas his first-team debut at right-back.

Both players adapted well to their new roles and may be called upon again in upcoming matches. However, deploying them in such unfamiliar positions against teams like Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid might be too great a risk for Flick.

If Christensen can make a return, he would provide valuable experience and stability to the defense. However, ensuring a complete recovery is essential to prevent further complications. With a week left until the Atletico Madrid match, Barcelona will continue to assess Christensen’s progress daily.