Barcelona defender will miss Osasuna, Girona clashes; return pencilled in for next month | OneFootball

Barcelona are going through a somewhat delicate moment with regard to their defensive personnel heading into a crucial run of fixtures right after the international break.

The postponed match against Osasuna being rescheduled for March 27 has only exacerbated the concerns, considering that Ronald Araujo will not be available due to international commitments while Inigo Martinez and Andreas Christensen are out injured.

Pau Cubarsi also suffered a knock on Thursday while playing for Spain against the Netherlands, adding to the problems for the Blaugrana.

Christensen’s return next month

Earlier this week, we reported that Christensen, who is recovering from a calf injury, will resume training with the group in the coming days.

Despite that, the 28-year-old Danish defender is ruled out of the upcoming matches against Osasuna (March 27) and Girona (March 30), reports AS.

Christensen’s season has been hampered by injuries. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Christensen has played just one time this season – on the opening day against Valencia, after which he was sidelined for over five months due to Achilles tendinopathy.

Just when he was set to return, the former Chelsea ace sustained a calf injury in late January. Having received his medical discharge last month, the defender suffered a relapse, putting him out of action again.

Christensen has been working hard on his recovery and is expected to resume training with the group in the coming days.

However, given his history and the fact that he has barely played this term, it will likely take time for him to receive his medical discharge. As such, he is considered to be out against Osasuna and Girona.

Instead, the plan is for the centre-back to make his comeback next month either when Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey semi-final second leg (April 2) or in the La Liga clash against Real Betis (April 5).