Barcelona Short of Centre-Backs as Christensen Returns to Partial Training

Overview

• Barcelona are coping with a centre-back injury crisis that has left Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Txus Espart sidelined and Pau Cubarsi as the only fully fit senior central defender.
• Andreas Christensen rejoined partial group training on Sunday, making him the first of the injured defenders to progress toward a comeback.
• Despite that step, multiple reports say Christensen is unlikely to be available for Tuesday's Champions League game against Aston Villa and may also miss the trip to Atlético Madrid as Barcelona prioritise caution.
• Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde are described by local outlets as advancing in their recoveries but remain uncertain for immediate selection, while Txus Espart faces a much longer layoff expected to run into late 2026 or early 2027.
• Hansi Flick has improvised defensively this month by using Frenkie de Jong centrally, handing Brian Farinas a first-team role and promoting youth players, and the club plans to use the upcoming international break to continue rehabilitation rather than risk rushed returns.