Flick unlikely to rush returning Barcelona defender; comeback to happen in Super Cup | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen has rejoined group training in recent days, gradually increasing his workload while being closely monitored by the club’s medical staff and fitness coaches.

The defender underwent surgery to address a persistent problem in the Achilles tendon, as the discomfort he had been experiencing over the past year had prevented him from playing regularly and at full fitness.

Flick will not rush Christensen back

Even though Christensen has trained with the group this week, according to SPORT, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has told the defender that he only wants him to return to action when he is one hundred per cent fit.

For this reason, the coach will not count on the Danish defender for Saturday’s match against Atletico Madrid.

The former Chelsea player will not return to the pitch until 2025, and the coaching staff are confident that he will be ready for the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Set to return next month. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The defender is now in the final stages of his recovery, but it is also the most crucial part. This is when his heel must bear the increased load without issue.

If all goes well, the Dane could be included in the squad for the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia when Barcelona face Athletic Club in the semi-finals on January 8.

The plan is for Christensen to travel with the rest of his teammates, although it remains to be seen how much of a role he will play given his lack of match fitness and the fact that the competition will be decided in just two games.

The report clarifies that it seems unlikely that Christensen will feature in the first match of 2025, which will take place at Barbastro in the Copa del Rey.

It is because the medical staff prefers that the ex-Chelsea man accumulates more quality training sessions with the group. On the other hand, the context of the match in Barbastro also makes it unlikely for the defender to play that night.

Ronald Araujo is already ready to make his return and has a good chance of getting minutes this Saturday against Atletico Madrid.

With Araujo and Christensen back, Flick will have four reliable options in central defence for the second half of the season along with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez.a