Andreas Christensen injured during Denmark game - set to miss El Clásico

FC Barcelona centre-back, Andreas Christensen, walked off the pitch after just 18 minutes into Thursday night’s game against Finland after suffering a calf injury. The injury is not serious but he is now set to miss some crucial clashes for the club over the next weeks.

Tests were carried out after the game which showed that he had suffered a small tear in his left calf muscle which gives him an approximate recovery time of three to four weeks.

Christensen set to miss El Clásico

Christensen will return to Barcelona on Friday and undergo tests to further establish the extent of the injury and get a clearer idea of how long he will be on the sidelines. At this stage he looks certain to miss the Copa del Rey game against Real Madrid on 5 April.

It’s bad news for the player who has been used by Xavi as one of the defensive pillars throughout a season in which FC Barcelona’s domestic goals can be counted on two hands. Christensen had become the undroppable partner to Ronald Araujo and had, more or less, a perfect season, putting in strong performances; the fact he came for free just added to the delight.

Who will replace Christensen in the Barcelona defence?

RIght now, Xavi has various alternatives to cover his loss. The most realistic option would be to use Marcos Alonso, a player who has performed well in the role when needed, despite it not being his natural position. Eric García could be another alternative, although he is not as highly placed up the pecking order as he was earlier in the campaign.

The appearance of Joules Koundé at centre-back can’t be ruled out, either, as and when Sergi Roberto can be deployed at right-back, something which, against Vinicius, is unlikely to happen.