Barcelona defender handed fresh start as Hansi Flick maintains strong faith despite injury record

Barcelona defender handed fresh start as Hansi Flick maintains strong faith despite injury record Barcelona had a major decision to make on Andreas Christensen at the end of last season, with his contract at the club coming to an end. The Danish central defender joined Barça from Chelsea ahead of the 2022-23 season and had a dream first season as the club went on to clinch the La Liga title. However, his next three seasons at the club have been marred by recurring injury issues, and he has hardly managed to stay fit since Hansi Flick’s arrival. Despite the injury record, Barça decided to place faith in the Dane and hand him a two-year contract extension . Now, according to Gabriel Sans in Mundo Deportivo , the 30-year-old appears to have been handed a fresh start at Barcelona. Flick continues to trust Christensen Flick has been one of Christensen’s strongest supporters at the club and maintains his faith in the experienced defender. Christensen started Barcelona’s La Liga opener against Elche and produced an assured performance at the heart of Flick’s defence. Andreas Christensen has enjoyed some continuity under Hansi Flick since pre-season (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) That appearance took him to 99 competitive matches for Barça , meaning he could reach a century if he features against Athletic Club on Thursday. More importantly, Christensen finally appears to be moving beyond the fitness problems that have prevented him from establishing consistent momentum. His reading of the game, composure in possession and positional intelligence make him a dream defender for Flick if he manages to stay fit. The problem has rarely been about his quality. Availability has been the much bigger concern. A valuable option for Barça Central defence has been a problematic area for Flick, with no convincing partner emerging for Pau Cubarsi since Inigo Martinez’s departure. Even the Spaniard himself, at 19, cannot be trusted with playing every minute of every game, no matter his quality. Thus, the availability of Christensen now not only allows Flick to partner him with Cubarsi but also use him in rotation with the Spaniard. A fit and firing Christensen could help Hansi Flick manage Pau Cubarsi’s minutes. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Against Elche, the Dane started alongside Gerard Martin in central defence, with Flick opting to retain a partnership that has thrived since the beginning of pre-season. The objective for the 30-year-old now is straightforward: rediscover his best level and, crucially, remain available throughout the campaign. For Flick, having a fit Christensen could be particularly valuable given the changes taking place in Barcelona’s defence. Ronald Araujo has departed on loan, while Jules Kounde could be used both centrally and at right-back. The Dane’s experience and ability on the ball also suit a Barcelona side expected to dominate possession and defend high up the pitch. There will naturally remain some caution after his recent injury record. However, Barça have to keep faith that the Dane can maintain his fitness. If the defender can finally put together an uninterrupted run of football, Barcelona may find that one of their most useful defensive reinforcements was already in the dressing room.