Barcelona defender staring at an uncertain future even as he nears return from injury | OneFootball

Andreas Christensen went through the traditional “tunnel of slaps” from his Barcelona teammates before training on Tuesday morning. As such, the defender’s medical clearance is imminent, reports SPORT.

The Danish international will be available for Hansi Flick in the final two months of the season, with everything still at stake—top of La Liga, in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and the Champions League quarter-finals.

A season of struggles

Christensen’s struggles this season seem to be nearing an end. This is the third time Barcelona’s medical team has given him the green light, and everyone is hoping it will be the last.

The defender has only played in one match this season, featuring for the final 26 minutes of Barcelona’s league opener against Valencia at Mestalla. A left Achilles tendon injury sidelined him for five months.

When he finally received medical clearance in mid-January, he was included in three matchday squads before another setback came in the form of a right calf muscle injury during training.

Closing in on a comeback. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Soon after recovering, he suffered a relapse in the same area, forcing him to pause for another month. Now, at last, he seems to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Uncertain future

It appears Christensen will return to the squad just as the season reaches its most crucial stage. However, uncertainty looms over his long-term future.

His contract with Barcelona runs until 30 June 2026, meaning a decision must be made this summer – either to renew his deal or to sell him.

Barcelona’s sporting directors want to avoid losing him as a free agent or letting him enter the final year of his contract.

However, Christensen faces fierce competition in defence, with Pau Cubarsi a mainstay, while Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, and Eric Garcia rotate as his centre-back partners.

The next two months will be crucial in determining Christensen’s fate. The club is aware that his market value has plummeted due to his injuries, dropping from €40 million to €15 million since last June, according to Transfermarkt.

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has delayed discussions with Christensen’s camp until his recovery is complete. Despite his injury troubles, the Dane still holds value in the market, and transfer movements could be on the horizon.