FC Barcelona's start to the 2024/25 season has been excellent. Having established their dominance in the La Liga table-top position, 3 points ahead of Clasico rivals Real Madrid, the club's performances have been brilliant. However, while practically, they seemed to have improved as a unit, in all aspects, injury concerns have remained the same, if not worsened.
FC Barcelona faces a huge setback as 28-year-old versatile star's recovery delays
Having entered the season with star players de Jong, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo injured, they have further had their top signing Fermin Lopez, ace prodigy Fermin Lopez, and veteran keeper Ter Stegen added to the list. While they are reported to have a major recovery boost after the international break, with Dani Olmo, Fermin, and Gavi to return, recent reports suggest that they would have to wait more for the 28-year-old versatile star to return.
Andreas Christensen, brought in June 2022, has been an integral part of the FC Barcelona setup since he joined the club. While in his first season at the Blaugrana club, in the 2022/23 campaign, the Danish prodigy was confined to the center-back role; throughout the season, he stood brilliant whenever he was called in the pivot role in the 2023/24 campaign.
As has been FC Barcelona's playstyle, versatile players, having the ability to add crucial contributions in more than one role, have always been important, and thus, Christensen's absence has been felt since the season started. While initial reports had stated that the 28-year-old Danish star didn't have a particular return date, following conservative treatment for his Achilles pain, recent reports sound worrying about the player's recovery.
As per Diario SPORT reports, FC Barcelona had expected Andreas Christensen to return after the ongoing international break, but that won't happen. While it's certainly clear, similar to the case of other players, the Blaugrana club won't rush him, giving him time to recover to his level best. Barca being in no hurry to confirm him too soon, Christensen's return date remains still unknown.
Clearly, considering the club's busy schedule ahead, Christensen's injury recovery delay would restrict Barca from enforcing the rotation policy efficiently. However, the Blaugrana club fans would hope that the effect doesn't prove pivotal to the club and that their 28-year-old Danish star returns soon in Barca colors.