Barcelona's Andreas Christensen faces lengthy absence with ACL injury

"Christensen, 29, made his first start since September in Tuesday's Copa del Rey tie against Guadalajara, scoring the first goal in the 2-0 win. However, Barça say he suffered an "unfortunate twist of the knee" this weekend, ruling him out of Sunday's LaLiga game against Villarreal and for the foreseeable future. - Sevilla's Almeyda blasts ref vs. Madrid: 'I'm not a clown' -Mbappé ties Ronaldo record for most Real Madrid goals in a year "After tests carried out on the player, a conservative course of treatment has been chosen," the club said in a short statement. "The player's recovery time will depend on his development.""

"It's the latest in a string of injuries Christensen, who is out of contract next summer, has suffered over the last two years. The Danish centre-back was limited to just six appearances in all competitions last season, mainly due to an Achilles problem, while a calf injury sidelined him earlier in the current campaign. Prior to that, he had made 74 appearances in his first two years at the club after joining from Chelsea on a free transfer, playing a key role as Barça won LaLiga in 2022-23."

"Christensen's injury leaves Barça short in the middle of defence, with Ronald Araújo also currently absent after being granted a mental health break. Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín, a converted full-back, are currently the preferred centre-back pairing, but Jules Koundé and Eric García are also options to play there if required. The shortage could see Barça turn to the transfer market in January. A source told ESPN earlier this month that, providing Araújo returns to action in 2026, they would not be active mid-season, but Christensen's injury could change that stance."

Andreas Christensen suffered a partial ACL tear in training, ruling him out of Sunday's LaLiga match and leaving him sidelined for an extended period. Christensen had started Tuesday's Copa del Rey match, scoring in a 2-0 win, before the knee twist. Barcelona chose a conservative treatment approach, with recovery time dependent on his progress. The 29-year-old has endured multiple injuries over two years, including an Achilles issue and a calf problem, and is out of contract next summer. His absence strains Barcelona's central defence, with Araújo also unavailable, prompting consideration of defensive options and a possible January transfer.

Read at ESPN.com