Barcelona handed fitness boost as key defender returns to group training after long injury absence: Reports
Barcelona have been handed an injury boost as centre-back Andreas Christensen has returned to group training after a long injury absence. The 28-year-old suffered an Achilles tendon injury in August and has not played since then.
Christensen's only appearance for La Blaugrana this season came on the opening matchday against Valencia. The Denmark international came off the bench in the 2-1 win and played for 26 minutes. Thereafter, he sustained an Achilles tendon in his left leg and after surgery has been training outside the group.
Now, according to Diario Sport (via Barca Universal on X), the former Chelsea star has returned to training with the group.
The Dane has been a key player in defense for La Blaugrana since joining on a free from Chelsea in 2022. Last term, he made 42 appearances across competitions, contributing three goals and two assists.
Christensen's potential return to action is a major boost for Hansi Flick's side who have struggled at the back in recent games. Flick's centre-back pairing of Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi looked solid at the start of the season but has been shaky recently. Barcelona have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven league outings, conceding 10 goals. They have also picked up only two wins from those games.
Flick will be glad to have an additional defensive option in Christensen ahead of the second half of the season. The Dane can also be deployed as a makeshift defensive midfielder. He has registered four goals and three assists in 75 games for the Catalan club.
Barcelona receive positive injury update on Lamine Yamal
Barcelona have received a positive injury update on youngster Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old sustained an ankle injury in the side's 1-0 loss to Leganes on December 15.
According to Diario AS (via Barca Universal), tests have revealed that Yamal did not suffer a serious damage to his external lateral ligament. As such, the Spaniard could return to action earlier than expected.
Yamal had just returned from a injury prior to his recent setback. The youngster has been an instrumental piece in Hansi Flick's attack this season, contributing six goals and 12 assists in 21 matches across competitions.
Barcelona next play Atletico Madrid in the league on Saturday, December 21. La Blaugrana risk losing their top spot in the standings if they fail to deliver a win against Diego Simeone's side. The two teams are tied on point (38), but Atletico have played a game less.