Barcelona hope key defender will return from injury against Atletico Madrid

Barcelona hope key defender will return from injury against Atletico Madrid Barcelona are hoping Andreas Christensen will recover in time for their La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid on November 8, according to SPORT , as Hansi Flick continues to manage a growing shortage of defensive options.  The outlet says the Danish centre-back could return to training next week after an injury that has already disrupted his campaign, but Barcelona are determined not to rush his recovery just to address immediate defensive problems. Flick indicated after the defeat to Real Madrid that Christensen could potentially be available next week.  His return would provide Barcelona with an experienced option in central defence, particularly after the club failed to recruit a top-level centre-back during the summer transfer window. Christensen injury update gives Barcelona hope Barcelona’s coaching staff are monitoring Christensen’s recovery closely, recognising the value of having him available for the demanding fixture schedule ahead.  Barcelona hope Andreas Christensen will be available against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) As such, the November 8 match against Atletico Madrid is a potential target, although there is no guarantee that he will be ready in time. The outlet assures that Flick appreciates Christensen’s positional awareness, experience and composure when distributing the ball from defence.  Those qualities make him a useful fit for Barcelona’s approach, which requires defenders to remain comfortable in possession while maintaining a high defensive line. The club’s current injury situation, where Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart are both injured, has increased the importance of his return, but the priority remains ensuring that he is physically ready before being considered for competitive action. Flick relies on Christensen despite Barcelona defensive injury crisis Christensen’s fitness record has limited his availability during Flick’s time in charge.  Flick considers Christensen a key piece in his squad. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The Dane has already missed five matches this season after suffering a muscle tear in September, adding to the interruptions that have affected his involvement over the previous campaigns. Before his latest setback, Christensen had established himself as a regular selection. He started five of Barcelona’s first eight matches, sitting out only the fixture against Athletic Club in that sequence. His absence has deprived Flick of a defender he trusts, especially at a time when Barcelona could benefit from greater continuity at centre-back.  The coaching staff remain hopeful that Christensen can return to the level he showed before being injured against Sevilla. Nevertheless, the number of unavailable defenders will not determine the timetable for his comeback, as Barcelona are aware that rushing him back could create further problems if he has not fully recovered.