Real Madrid’s biggest problem this season has been their struggles with injuries. The club still have quite a few out on the sidelines, while others are in-and-out of the team due to niggling problems throughout the campaign. On the other hand, it looks like Barcelona have their fair share of issues ahead of the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi finals at Santiago Bernabeu.
Xavi’s side were already set to be without three of their most important players in the form of Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele. And now, it looks like there are doubts over the fitness of another of their best performers this season.
As reported by Relevo, Andreas Christensen carries discomfort in the ankle since the match against Almeria. The centre-back is not one hundred percent and is not guaranteed his presence in the eleven at the Santiago Bernabeu. He only trained for the first 15 minutes on Wednesday.
Christensen has been superb for Barcelona, since joining as a free agent after leaving Chelsea. And thus, if he was to miss the upcoming El Clasico, it would be a major blow for Xavi’s side.
Another Barcelona player injured before facing Real Madrid in Copa del Rey
Christensen was always criticised for his lack of physicality during his time at Chelsea. He has looked like perfect fit for Barcelona though.
To be honest, he has looked much better than Rudiger, who was the more highly-rated defender during their time together at Stamford Bridge. Now, it remains to be seen if Christensen features against Real Madrid or not.
With the quality that Real Madrid have in the final third with the likes of Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, and now, the fast rising Alvaro, Barcelona could be in trouble without the calming presence of Christensen at the back.