Barcelona hit by last-minute injury just ahead of Villarreal clash | OneFootball

Barcelona have been hit with an untimely setback just hours before their final game of 2025, with a late injury disrupting Hansi Flick’s plans. 

According to a report from SPORT, the Blaugrana suffered a last-minute problem during their final training session ahead of the trip to Villarreal, leaving Andreas Christensen out of the squad travelling to La Ceramica.

The issue first came to light when it was noticed that Christensen was missing when the Barcelona delegation arrived in Villarreal. 

His absence immediately raised concerns, especially given his recent involvement in the team.

Christensen had not been a regular starter in recent weeks, often being used in short spells towards the end of matches. 

However, Flick had shown renewed trust in the Danish defender during the Copa del Rey clash against Guadalajara. 

Another setback for the defender

That momentum has now been abruptly halted. Christensen took part in Saturday’s preparatory session as normal, but during training, he suffered a knee problem. 

The discomfort was significant enough for the coaching staff to rule him out of the trip altogether. 

Andreas Christensen is out of the Villarreal clash. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Further medical examinations are scheduled for this morning, when the club will carry out more detailed tests to determine the exact nature and severity of the injury.

The timing could hardly be worse for Flick, who is already dealing with a thin defensive line. 

For the central defensive roles, Barcelona are currently left with Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Gerard Martin as natural options. 

Flick can also turn to Jules Kounde, whose original position is centre-back, even though he has firmly established himself as a right-back this season.

There is no Araujo as well

Compounding the problem is the continued absence of Ronald Araujo. 

The Barcelona captain remains sidelined, although there is optimism within the club that he will rejoin group training at the start of the new year.

For now, Flick must improvise once again as Barcelona head into their final fixture of 2025 with defensive uncertainty. 

Christensen’s injury adds concern to a demanding schedule, and all eyes will be on Sunday’s medical results to understand how long the Dane could be out.