Christensen's absence opens the door for a winter reinforcement in Barcelona

Andreas Christensen's injury prior to Villarreal-Barcelona intensified the internal debate within the Blaugrana squad regarding the necessity and feasibility of signing another center-back in the winter transfer window, which opens on January 2, 2026. The Dane could be out for around four months after partially tearing the cruciate ligament in his left knee during Saturday's training session

In this regard, as of December 21, **the club has 20 days to send Christensen's medical report to LaLiga** and request his long-term absence (for four or more months), with the aim of freeing up 80% of his salary and opening up space in their wage bill for a new signing.

Currently, Barça is not yet operating under the 1:1 rule, which means they are still facing problems with 'Fair Play' to sign players. Andreas' injury, in that sense, would solve the problem, just as it happened with Ter Stegen's operation last summer. After undergoing surgery, the German's absence resolved the registration of the newly signed Joan García.

With Christensen, however, a **conservative treatment** has initially been opted for, although it does not prevent the Dane's recovery time from being prolonged. The Lillerod native spent the entire first half of 24/25 out due to an Achilles tendon injury and, at that time (summer of 2024), his absence allowed for the registration of **Dani Olmo** and **Pau Víctor**

'Summit' between Deco and Flick to define the signing of another center-back in January

Ronald Araujo greets Hansi Flick after being sent off against Chelsea

In the press conference after Villarreal-Barça, Hansi Flick lamented Christensen's injury and left the door open to signing another center-back in January. However, there is still time to evaluate options and make the best decision for the second half of the season."I will speak with Deco today or tomorrow. The important thing is that Andreas returns well. We have to support him. He was in a good moment, we saw it in the Cup and in the sessions," explained the manager regarding the absence of the 29-year-old defender.

For now, Barça has Eric García and Pau Cubarsí as the main alternatives for the center of the defense, along with Gerard Martín and Ronald Araujo. Jofre Torrents can also help out as a center-back, as can Jules Koundé, although the Frenchman has definitively settled in at right-back since the end of 2023

Martín has been a starter in the last month of competition alongside Cubarsí, while Eric seems to be settling in as a pivot and Araújo was mentally recovering from his slump. In theory, the Uruguayan should return to training after Christmas and would be available for the first match of 2026, against Espanyol (January 3)

In this regard, the squad has enough alternatives when it comes to center-backs, but the schedule is demanding and Hansi Flick does not want to take risks by overloading players like **Koundé or Eric, who are already approaching 2,000 minutes** of action this season

Barça Not Planning Major Winter Spending

Beyond considering the signing of a center-back as a necessity for the second half of the season, the board, for now, does not foresee making a significant expenditure in January by signing another center-back or a 'top' forward. Names like **Nico Schlotterbeck** or **Alessandro Bastoni** have been mentioned in recent weeks to reinforce the Barça defense.

However, the club would only go for a defender of that caliber next summer or, failing that, if Ronald Araujo finally decided to leave in the next transfer window. The latter scenario is not currently contemplated. The '4' renewed until 2031 and has the full support of the board, the coaching staff, and the locker room to regain confidence.

Thus, if Barça were to decide to bring in another center-back in January, the objective would be a 'low cost' option, preferably through a loan without a mandatory purchase option. The other alternative is to turn to the reserve team, reaffirming confidence in players like **Jofre Torrents or Álvaro Cortés**, the latter having a good present with Barça Atlètic