Barcelona receive fresh fitness boost as defensive ace returns to full training | OneFootball

Barcelona have been without defender Andreas Christensen since August, with the Danish international getting sidelined with an ankle issue that has been bothering him since last season.

The defender, who has been linked with a potential exit in January, underwent surgery to definitively address the Achilles tendon tendinopathy he had been suffering from for a long time.

The surgery was a success and has helped speed up his recovery, with the former Chelsea star now being very close to making his return to the pitch.

Christensen back in full training

Indeed, according to SPORT, Christensen resumed full training with the group today, taking a definitive step towards his return to action potentially next month.

Closing in on a comeback. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Last week, he began taking part in some group training sessions, and on Wednesday, he returned to full training with the rest of the players.

No risks will be taken with Christensen’s return and it is expected that after the Christmas holidays, discussions will begin about clearing him to return to on-field action, allowing manager Hansi Flick to include him in upcoming matchday squads.

The German coach has high hopes for the Danish defender, considering him a top-level centre-back who will be a huge asset to the defence while he will also be an added option in the defensive midfield role.

Christensen’s return will not only benefit the team in terms of playing but will also allow the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez, who have been playing many minutes, to rotate.

With Ansu Fati set to return this weekend and Christensen’s comeback also on the horizon, Barcelona are now left with just three injured players in Lamine Yamal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Marc Bernal.