Just in: Barcelona receive major injury boost as key defender returns to part group training

Just in: Barcelona receive major injury boost as key defender returns to part group training Barcelona have had a torrid time with injuries, especially in defence, in recent weeks, with Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Xavi Espart all out. This has forced Hansi Flick to get creative tactically, including playing Brian Farinas at right-back and Frenkie de Jong at centre-back. Barcelona are desperately hoping for some good news on the injury front ahead of the crucial games against Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid. According to journalist Achraf Ben Ayad , Christensen participated in part of Barcelona’s group training session on Sunday. He has taken an important step in his recovery from a muscular injury that has kept him sidelined since September. Christensen edges closer to Barcelona comeback The Danish international suffered a left thigh injury during Barcelona’s victory over Sevilla just before the international break. He has subsequently missed a number of important fixtures, including El Clasico against Real Madrid and the game against PSG. Andreas Christensen has returned to part group training with Barcelona. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) Before his setback, Christensen had featured in six matches this season, starting four and accumulating 402 minutes. Having someone like the Dane back in training will give Hansi Flick one more option to call upon in the coming games. With just two games left before the November international break, it will be interesting to see how the German manager handles Christensen. Considering the 30-year-old’s injury history, Barcelona would be better off being cautious and not starting him until after the break. Flick must balance recovery with upcoming fixtures Barcelona face Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday before travelling to face Atletico Madrid next weekend. Christensen’s progress therefore comes at an important moment, although his participation in group training does not necessarily mean he is ready for competitive action. Hansi Flick will be very careful about Andreas Christensen’s recovery. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Flick has always been a manager who is very careful about rushing players back, and he is unlikely to take any shortcuts with the Dane. Frenkie de Jong showed against Deportivo Alaves that he can hold his own in central defence. Christensen offers qualities that Barcelona need in central defence, and the important thing for the Catalan club is that he makes a full recovery. His positional awareness, composure and ability to play out from the back make him the perfect partner for Pau Cubarsi. It remains to be seen how long it takes before the Dane returns to full group training and whether he makes the squad against Aston Villa or Atletico Madrid .