National team coach to meet with Flick to discuss Barcelona defender’s fitness amid growing concerns

National team coach to meet with Flick to discuss Barcelona defender’s fitness amid growing concerns According to reports relayed by SPORT , Denmark coach Brian Riemer is planning a visit to Barcelona to meet Hansi Flick and discuss Andreas Christensen’s physical condition as concerns grow over the defender’s ability to regain consistent fitness. The report suggests that the meeting will focus on establishing a joint recovery plan that will allow the Barcelona defender to return to his best level without risking further setbacks. Christensen’s fitness becoming a concern Christensen’s repeated injury problems have disrupted his continuity over recent seasons, creating concern both at Barcelona and within the Danish national team. The defender played only 18 games throughout last season for Barça, while he has been unavailable for four matches in the ongoing campaign already. With Denmark, the seasoned campaigner was unavailable for the matches in March, but played twice during the summer, before missing the games during the last international break in September-October as well. Christensen’s injuries remain a concern. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) As such, Denmark boss Riemer wants to meet with Flick and discuss the next steps in the defender’s recovery and how both sides can coordinate their approach. The meeting comes after Christensen returned to action against Atletico Madrid last Sunday, playing close to 30 minutes in the team’s 2-1 win at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Riemer wants a joint plan of action Flick’s decision to bring Christensen back against Atletico Madrid attracted some criticism in Denmark, even as he was left out of the national team squad by the manager for the current international break. Riemer’s intention is not to rush the 30-year-old back into the Denmark squad. Instead, the national team coach wants the defender to complete his recovery properly before returning to the demands of regular international football. Christensen returned to action vs Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Speaking at a press conference about Christensen’s situation recently, the Danish national team boss said : “I had a man on the phone who was almost in tears. “He has assessed that he isn’t ready for that. Consequently, he has withdrawn, concluding that, given his current state, his body isn’t prepared to play two international matches. It truly breaks his heart.” The meeting with Flick will provide an opportunity to coordinate the physical and sporting plans of Barcelona and Denmark. Christensen is equally keen to regain the consistency that injuries have repeatedly taken away from him. He remains a key figure for the Danish national team and continues to be held in high regard at Barça as well . As such, the planned meeting between Riemer and Flick seems like a sensible step, particularly given Christensen’s history of recurring fitness problems.