Barcelona bets on two new 'reinforcements': Key details and dates

Published:13/12/2024 - 17:08h

Updated:13/12/2024 - 17:08h

Hansi Flick is preparing for the return, in the coming days, of two winter 'reinforcements'. Both Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen are in the final stretch of their recovery

FC Barcelona could add their first winter 'reinforcements' in the next two weeks with the returns of Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen. Both left a good impression in Friday's session alongside the rest of the squad and, if they do not suffer any new muscular setbacks, they are set to leave the culé infirmary just before a January with a very tight schedule for Barça.

The player closest to receiving medical clearance is the winger. The '10' suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg during a training session at Ciutat Esportiva on November 13 and could be ready to be included in the squad against Atlético de Madrid next Saturday, December 21. The match in Montjuïc will be the last of the year for a Barça that will return to action on Saturday, January 4 against Barbastro, in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.

Christensen hopes to be ready in the first week of January

For the cup debut, Flick may be able to count on Christensen, who also trained with the rest of the group on Friday, ahead of the clash against Leganés. The defender has been dealing with an Achilles tendinopathy since late August and only played minutes in the first match of the league, against Valencia (1-2), so the coaching staff will be very cautious regarding his workload and minutes, once he is cleared to play.

Both Andreas and Ansu are two of the names that are rumored as possible winter discards, although the case of the defender is more complex due to his prolonged inactivity. Once both leave the infirmary, Barça will have the entire squad available, except for Marc Bernal and Marc-André ter Stegen, both ruled out for the rest of the season due to respective torn ligaments.

In January, Barça will need their B team more than ever due to a schedule with little rest. The team could play up to eight matches in a span of 25 days if they overcome the Copa elimination against Barbastro and the 'semis' of the Spanish Supercup against Athletic Club. In total, there would be two Copa matches, two Supercup matches, another two in the Champions League, and a couple more in La Liga, so rotations will be essential to avoid further injuries.