Barcelona Defender Faces Devastating Four-Month Injury Blow—Report
Andreas Christensen has avoided a complete rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—however, Barcelona are reportedly worried he could be sidelined for four months.
Christensen was pulled from Sunday's crucial 2–0 win against Villarreal after Barcelona confirmed the Danish center-back had sustained an awkward twist during a training session.
A standard ACL injury typically requires over nine months for full recovery, but importantly, Barcelona has determined Christensen sustained a partial ligament tear rather than a complete rupture.
The Athletic reports that club management is preparing for approximately four months without Christensen, who should be ready to return before the campaign concludes if everything proceeds as expected.
Additional medical examinations will establish a definitive recovery schedule for Christensen, though Barcelona might choose to exercise extra caution with the 29-year-old, who has been absent for 78 matches across club and international duty since joining Camp Nou in 2022.
"The crucial aspect is that Andreas returns in good health," coach Hansi Flick commented. "We must provide our support. He was performing well, as we witnessed in the Copa del Rey and during practice sessions.
"It's disappointing. This represents another setback for him. We extend our best wishes."
Christensen Facing Uncertain Future at Barcelona
Prior to this latest setback affecting Christensen, reports suggested the Danish player had been tasked with demonstrating his physical reliability to secure a contract extension beyond his current deal, which concludes at season's end.
The 2024–25 campaign has been particularly challenging for Christensen. He featured in only six matches across all competitions while dealing with two severe injuries, and now faces another prolonged absence.
Although a four-month layoff would still provide Christensen sufficient opportunity to return and represent Barcelona before the season ends, he confronts a clear deadline to demonstrate his worth for another contract.
The center-back position has remained problematic for Barcelona since Ińigo Martínez's unexpected move to Al Nassr during the transfer window. Hansi Flick's team has encountered defensive difficulties without the experienced player and has recently managed without Ronald Araujo due to personal matters.
A new defender is anticipated to join next summer and could potentially replace Christensen, who might be permitted to leave as a free agent. Having joined through the same route after departing Chelsea in 2022, Barcelona may not be troubled by the possibility of forgoing a transfer fee.