MX23RW : Wednesday, January 22 01:15:55| >> :60:2766:2766:

Barcelona suffer major injury blow with defender 'ruled out for two months'

Injury blow: Barcelona defender 'facing two months out'
© Imago
Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen faces two months on the sidelines through injury, according to a report.

Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen is reportedly facing two months on the sidelines through injury.

There has been speculation surrounding the Denmark international's future this summer, with a number of clubs thought to have expressed an interest in signing him from Barcelona.

Christensen featured as a second-half substitute in Barcelona's La Liga opener against Valencia last weekend, but he missed Friday's training session, sparking injury fears ahead of Saturday's clash with Athletic Bilbao.

According to journalist Alex Pintanel, the defender is now facing two months out of action due to a long-standing problem with his Achilles tendon.

Christensen will allegedly undergo a treatment plan which is expected to last for at least two months, with the 28-year-old therefore set to miss a number of matches for the Catalan giants.

Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen on November 25, 2023© Reuters

Christensen has an issue with his Achilles tendon

The Dane struggled with an ankle issue towards the end of last season, and Barcelona allegedly believe that a period of treatment now will allow him to address his injury concerns.

Barcelona could potentially be forced into the transfer market for a new defender before the deadline, as Mikayil Faye is closing in on a switch to Rennes, while Clement Lenglet is believed to be joining Atletico Madrid on loan.

Ronald Araujo, meanwhile, will be on the sidelines until the latter stages of his year due to a hamstring operation which he underwent in the middle of July.

Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez started the middle of the defence against Valencia last weekend, but there are some concerns over the latter's own injury situation.

Barcelona midfielder Gavi on September 19, 2023© Reuters

Which other players are also unavailable for Barcelona?

Barcelona are also currently missing Ansu Fati, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, but Pedri made his return as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 success over Valencia last time out.

Fati could potentially leave Barcelona on loan before the end of the transfer window, but De Jong will stay despite recent claims that there could be a late exit.

De Jong's ankle issue which he suffered in March is still keeping him on the sidelines, and it is currently unclear when the Netherlands international could return to action.

Gavi, meanwhile, has been absent since the end of last year due to the ACL injury that he suffered while representing Spain.

Barcelona will be bidding to make it back-to-back wins at the start of the new La Liga campaign when they welcome Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening.

ID:551135:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4902:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Andreas Christensen

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona attacker Dani Olmo on August 12, 2024
Read Next:
Registration latest: Will Olmo feature for Barcelona against Athletic?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid20144247202746
2Atletico MadridAtletico20135234132144
3Barcelona20123552232939
4Athletic Bilbao20116331181339
5Villarreal209653831733
6Mallorca209381925-630
7Real Sociedad208481714328
8GironaGirona208482827128
9Rayo Vallecano206862323026
10Osasuna206862429-526
11Sevilla207582329-626
12Real BetisBetis206772226-425
13Celta Vigo2073102932-324
14Las PalmasLas Palmas2064102533-822
15Leganes205781929-1022
16Getafe204881417-320
17AlavesAlaves2055102432-820
18Espanyol2054111932-1319
19Valencia2037101929-1016
20Real ValladolidValladolid2043131439-2515


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!