Barcelona hope Andreas Christensen can return for Atletico Madrid clash amid defensive injury crisis

Barcelona are facing a defensive injury crisis heading into key fixtures, with the club now hoping Andreas Christensen could be available for the La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid.

The defender has been sidelined since September. Barcelona are hopeful that Christensen and Jules Kounde will be available again soon, although both remain doubts for the weekend.

Injury list grows for Flick

Barcelona have injury problems in defence currently with Xavi Espart the latest player to be sidelined for Hansi Flick’s side. The youngster sustained an ankle injury against Real Madrid and will miss the next seven weeks in a huge blow to club and player.

Espart joins Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen on the sidelines, although Barcelona are hopeful that the latter two will be available again soon.

Kounde update ahead of Alaves

Hansi Flick refused to risk Kounde against Real Madrid but is hopeful the Frenchman will be fit in time to face Alaves on Saturday, per Mundo Deportivo. The Barca coach must then decide whether to play Kounde from the start or manage his minutes ahead of key fixtures against Aston Villa in the Champions League and Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Christensen timeline

Christensen won’t be ready in time for the weekend but it is now hoped he could be available to play some part of the game against Atletico. The Dane has been out of action since sustaining an injury against Sevilla in September but is expected to be back next month.

Garcia ruled out longer

As for Eric Garcia, he’s been ruled out for 3-4 weeks and is not set to return until after the international break.