Barcelona defender watching an unsure future at the same time as he nears return from damage

Andreas Christensen went by way of the standard “tunnel of slaps” from his Barcelona teammates earlier than coaching on Tuesday morning. As such, the defender’s medical clearance is imminent, studies SPORT.

The Danish worldwide will likely be accessible for Hansi Flick within the closing two months of the season, with every thing nonetheless at stake—high of La Liga, within the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and the Champions League quarter-finals.

A season of struggles

Christensen’s struggles this season appear to be nearing an finish. That is the third time Barcelona’s medical crew has given him the inexperienced mild, and everyone seems to be hoping will probably be the final.

The defender has solely performed in a single match this season, that includes for the ultimate 26 minutes of Barcelona’s league opener in opposition to Valencia at Mestalla. A left Achilles tendon damage sidelined him for 5 months.

When he lastly obtained medical clearance in mid-January, he was included in three matchday squads earlier than one other setback got here within the type of a proper calf muscle damage throughout coaching.

Closing in on a comeback. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)

Quickly after recovering, he suffered a relapse in the identical space, forcing him to pause for one more month. Now, eventually, he appears to be seeing the sunshine on the finish of the tunnel.

Unsure future

It seems Christensen will return to the squad simply because the season reaches its most important stage. Nonetheless, uncertainty looms over his long-term future.

His contract with Barcelona runs till 30 June 2026, that means a call should be made this summer time – both to resume his deal or to promote him.

Barcelona’s sporting administrators wish to keep away from dropping him as a free agent or letting him enter the ultimate yr of his contract.

Nonetheless, Christensen faces fierce competitors in defence, with Pau Cubarsi a mainstay, whereas Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, and Eric Garcia rotate as his centre-back companions.

The subsequent two months will likely be essential in figuring out Christensen’s destiny. The membership is conscious that his market worth has plummeted resulting from his accidents, dropping from €40 million to €15 million since final June, in response to Transfermarkt.

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has delayed discussions with Christensen’s camp till his restoration is full. Regardless of his damage troubles, the Dane nonetheless holds worth out there, and switch actions may very well be on the horizon.