Barcelona star undergoes surgery for Achilles issue, set to be ruled out for 2 months: Reports
Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen is set to undergo surgery for an Achilles issue. The Denmark international has been at the Camp Nou since the summer of 2022.
Christensen, 28, has four goals and three assists in 75 games across competitions for Barca, which includes a lone appearance this season. He played 26 minutes in the 2-1 win at Valencia in the La Liga opener but has been out since then with Achilles tendon irritation.
Three months into the season, after seeking 'conservative' treatment methods, Christensen seeks a permanent solution. As per Catalunya Radio (via Barca Universal), the Dane is set to undergo surgery, which will keep him sidelined for two months.
The reported recovery timeline means Christensen is likely not returning to action this year.
In his absence, Barca seem to have done rather well under new boss Hansi Flick, especially in the league. With 11 wins in their opening 13 games, the Blaugrana are six points clear of second-placed holders Real Madrid, having played a game more.
They have also fared well in Europe, winning three of their four UEFA Champions League games, losing once, occupying sixth place in the standings. Flick's side are looking to win the competition for the first time since their treble triumph in the 2014-15 campaign.
Barcelona president talks about rejecting monstrous offer for Lamine Yamal
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said that the club rejected a deal worth €250 million for midfielder Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old has emerged as one of the best young players in the world since last season.
Having starred in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, Yamal has continued from where he left off last season, registering six goals and eight asssts in 16 games across competitions.
Despite being contracted to the Camp Nou till 2026, Yamal reportedly received a monstrous bid from an unnamed Ligue 1 side. Laporta told El Chiringuito (via Barca Blaugranes):
“The president has already said that there was an offer worth €250m that was rejected and never even considered. It came from France. I would say that right now he’s the most decisive player (in the world), yes. I don’t think it’s necessarily good to speak about a 17-year-old kid being the best in the world, but for us, he is."
Yamal produced a breakthrough 2023-24 season with Barca - registering seven goals and nine assists in 50 outings across competitions. He then scored once and assisted four times in La Roja's victorious Euro 2024 campaign in Germany.