Barcelona have been dealt a huge blow as a key star suffers a last-minute injury ahead of a crucial Villarreal fixture.
The Catalan giants were putting the finishing touches on their preparations at La Ceramica, aiming to end a rollercoaster year on a high note amid La Liga title contention and European ambitions, when disaster struck during Saturday’s final training session.
Hansi Flick, already navigating a paper-thin backline plagued by long-term absences and rotation demands, now faces an even tougher tactical puzzle against a Villarreal side that loves to punish disorganized defenses with quick transitions and set-piece threats.
This untimely hit disrupts not just the immediate lineup but also the fragile rhythm of a defender who had only just begun reclaiming a starting spot after weeks of substitute cameos, forcing the German coach to dig deeper into his limited resources during a schedule that leaves no room for further mishaps.
The casualty is Andreas Christensen, who picked up a concerning knee problem in training, severe enough to exclude him from the traveling squad entirely, as reported by Diario Sport.
His absence became glaring when the Barcelona delegation rolled into Villarreal without the Dane, despite his recent resurgence—including a key role in the Copa del Rey triumph over Guadalajara, where Flick had reinstated his trust.
Medical staff acted swiftly, pulling him from the trip pending detailed scans this morning to assess the damage and outline recovery timelines.
Natural options dwindle to Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, and Gerard Martín, with Jules Koundé as a versatile fallback from right-back despite his adaptation there under Flick.
Captain Ronald Araújó’s ongoing absence exacerbates the crisis, though optimism lingers for his group training return in the new year.
Christensen’s injury underscores Barcelona’s defensive fragility, turning a routine year-ender into a high-wire act that tests squad depth and resilience heading into 2026’s intensified battles.
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