Barcelona's Christensen Facing Two-Month Layoff With Thigh Injury

Tests confirmed a left thigh strain for the Danish center back, and reports suggest his recovery could run as long as two months.

Barcelona center back Andreas Christensen could be sidelined for up to two months after medical tests confirmed a left thigh strain, the club announced Sunday. The Denmark international picked up the problem during the second half of Barcelona's 3-1 win over Sevilla, leaving the field after a challenge involving the Sevilla striker. He was visibly upset on the bench, covering his face with his hands.

In its official statement, Barcelona said tests confirmed the injury but did not provide a timeline for his return. Early projections pointed to roughly four to six weeks out, though Mundo Deportivo reports that people close to the player believe the absence could extend to about two months.

The injury is a setback for coach Hansi Flick, who is already short on options at center back. Christensen has dealt with recurring fitness issues in recent seasons and had been hoping for a run of consistent minutes in Flick's defense.

A two-month absence would see the defender miss an estimated eight matches — five in La Liga and three in the Champions League — including El Clasico and a Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain. The ongoing international break means he can begin rehabilitation without immediately missing club fixtures. The home match against Villarreal on November 21-22 has been floated as a possible return date if his recovery goes well, and he is expected to sit out Denmark's upcoming international selections.