Andreas Christensen has once again suffered a serious injury with FC Barcelona. Tests carried out on the 29-year-old footballer this Sunday confirmed that the center-back suffered a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Saturday's training session, the last one before matchday 17 of LaLiga, against Villarreal.
The defender was left out of the squad against the 'Yellow Submarine' after an injury sustained accidentally, "due to an awkward movement" during training at the Ciutat Esportiva, according to the official Barça statement. Now, the '15' of Barça will begin his recovery, in principle opting for conservative treatment instead of knee surgery.
How long will Christensen be out for Barça?
In this regard, it is unknown how long Christensen could be out injured, but initial examinations point to **three to four months on average**, given the seriousness of the injury. If his long-term absence (more than four months) is confirmed, Barça will be able to save 80% of his salary to bring in another player in January.
"The approximate recovery time will depend on the player's progress," adds the medical report issued by the club. This season, Andreas played 515 minutes spread across 17 games (4 as a starter). The Lillerod native had previously scored Barça's first goal in the victory in Guadalajara (0-2).
He had previously missed four games due to a cold and calf discomfort. Although he was the last center-back considered by Hansi Flick in his rotation plan, the Dane has the coaching staff's trustHis professionalism, dedication, and willingness to help the team have always been valued by the manager, who did not hesitate to bet on him in the final stretch of last season in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Christensen was injured for almost the entire 24/25 season, first with Achilles tendon problems and then with another muscle injury suffered at the beginning of the year. In the summer, he managed to complete preseason with Barça (he scored a goal on the Asian tour) and, after the departure of Iñigo Martínez, he dispelled rumors linked to his possible summer exit.
However, in the first half of 25/26, he played little again, even being surpassed by **Gerard Martín** in recent weeks, when the absence for personal reasons of Ronald Araujo opened up another spot in the Barça XI.
Andreas Christensen opts for conservative treatment with the World Cup in mind
Now, a serious injury once again halts Andreas Christensen, whose time at Barcelona has been hampered by physical problems. The defender arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2022 and has **made 97 official appearances for the Blaugrana**, in addition to 5 goals, 3 assists, and 5 trophies, including 2 league titles.
For now, the footballer and Barça are opting for conservative treatment in the hope of shortening the recovery period. Knee surgery would leave the center-back out of the next **World Cup** with **Denmark**, pending confirmation of the team led by Brian Riemer's qualification for the tournament to be held in Central America next summer.
The defeat against Scotland (4-2) on the final matchday of the qualifiers condemned the Danes to play in the playoffs in March. First, the Reds must face North Macedonia. Then, they will go against the winner of the tie between Czech Republic and Ireland.
Christensen will have a very difficult time reaching the playoffs (played from March 26 to 31), but he would still have options to reach the World Cup as long as he avoids surgery. **With Barça, he will miss around 20 games**, including the Spanish Super Cup and the bulk of the second half of LaLiga.
Christensen's Injury Opens the Door for a January Signing
Awaiting the return of Ronald Araujo after Christmas, Barça must now assess whether or not it is necessary to sign another center-back in the winter market. In addition to the 'charrúa' and Pau Cubarsí, Flick has Eric García, Gerard Martín, and Jules Koundé as alternatives for the heart of the defense
In Andreas's case, everything points to him finally leaving on a free transfer in the summer, once his contract expires. The Dane has shown clear signs of wanting to renew, but his worrying injury record and considerable salary (around 6 million net per year) seriously compromise his future in Catalonia.