Andreas Christensen to miss several weeks with Barcelona thigh injury

Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen will be out for the next few weeks after suffering a muscle injury in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla.

The Denmark international was replaced shortly after the hour mark at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, with Gerard Martin coming on. Christensen appeared visibly frustrated as he joined the substitutes’ bench.

Barcelona confirmed that medical tests had identified an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in Christensen’s left quadriceps.

“Tests carried out have confirmed that first-team player Andreas Christensen has a muscle injury to the rectus femoris of his left quadriceps,” the club said.

“He will be sidelined for the next few weeks, and his recovery will determine when he is available to return.”

Manager Hansi Flick said after the win that Christensen was likely to spend time out of action, but the precise extent of the injury could only be established after further examinations.

The timing is especially inconvenient for Christensen, with the international break approaching. He is expected to miss Denmark’s forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures as a result.

Barcelona must now consider their defensive options before La Liga resumes. Gerard Martin filled in against Sevilla, while Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde are also available to Flick, depending on how he sets up his defence.

The club’s next league fixture is against Getafe at the Spotify Camp Nou on October 10. That gives Christensen time to begin his rehabilitation before Barcelona return to domestic action.