Barcelona Boosted by Christensen’s Return as Flick Eyes LaLiga Momentum
Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen, sidelined since August with an Achilles injury, is fit to play again, coach Hansi Flick confirmed on Friday. The Danish international’s return comes at a critical time for Barcelona, who are looking to regain their footing in LaLiga after falling to third place following two consecutive losses last month.
A Promising Start to 2025
Despite their recent LaLiga setbacks, Barcelona has started the new calendar year strongly, winning four consecutive matches in domestic competitions and clinching the Spanish Super Cup last weekend. Flick praised the team’s recent performances, stating, “We have taken a step forward in the last few games. I am very happy with the team.”
Flick also provided an update on the squad’s overall fitness. With only three players sidelined, including Inigo Martinez, who is expected back soon, the coach expressed optimism. “Christensen is back, and that’s good news,” Flick added, emphasizing the importance of having the defender available for upcoming challenges.
Ansu Fati’s Uncertain Future
Amid the positivity, questions remain about the future of attacker Ansu Fati. The 22-year-old, who has been with Barcelona since he was 10, has struggled for game time, starting only one LaLiga match this season. Flick revealed that he has had honest conversations with Fati about his situation.
“It’s important to be honest with the players. I was upfront with him. It’s his decision,” Flick said. “We’ve discussed the possibilities. If he wants to stay, that’s fine—we’ll look after him and help him return to his best. But if he feels he needs a change, I’ll respect that.”
The manager hinted that Fati’s future hinges on their next conversation, noting, “Depending on what he tells me, I will be truthful about his chances here.”
Tough Test Ahead Against Getafe
Looking ahead, Barcelona faces a challenging fixture against 15th-placed Getafe, who are on a three-match winning streak across all competitions. Flick acknowledged the difficulty of playing at Getafe, highlighting their defensive strength.
“It’s difficult to score in Getafe,” Flick admitted. “We’ve talked about it with the team, and hopefully, our plan will work.”
What’s Next?
As Christensen makes his return and the team focuses on maintaining their upward trajectory, Barcelona will aim to secure crucial points against Getafe and keep pace in the LaLiga title race. All eyes will also be on Ansu Fati as he considers his next steps, potentially marking a turning point in his career.
