Injured Barcelona defender set to return to training next week – report | OneFootball

The 2024/25 season has been one riddled with injury problems for FC Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen.

After making just one appearance – on the opening day of the season – the Dane was sidelined with an Achilles tendinopathy problem that required surgery and sidelined him for the first half of the season.

Just as he was closing in on a return, Christensen suffered a calf injury in January. The Dane worked on his recovery and was all set to make a comeback last month before suffering a relapse that put him back on the treatment tables.

Return on the horizon

However, now, according to AS, Christensen is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and is closing in on making his return.

Indeed, the 28-year-old defender is now in the final stages of his recovery and appears all set to rejoin full training next week. The former Chelsea ace hopes to receive medical clearance by the end of the month.

Closing in on a comeback. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

However, the medical staff remains extremely cautious, given his history of back-to-back setbacks. After all, both of his previous injuries occurred during training, just as he was preparing to make a comeback.

Christensen’s return a welcome boost

Christensen’s imminent return will come as a welcome boost for Hansi Flick and Barcelona following the recent injury setbacks to Inigo Martinez and Marc Casado.

The Dane’s comeback will provide the manager with added depth in the centre-back role until Martinez returns in 2-3 weeks.

Meanwhile, with Casado out for a period of two months, Christensen’s availability will provide Flick with another alternative in the defensive midfield role to rotate Frenkie de Jong in the final stretch of the season.

However, the biggest concern for the coaching staff is whether Christensen can handle the physical and mental demands of the season’s final stretch.

Having been out of action for eight months and played just 26 minutes of football this season, it remains to be seen how he fares on his return.