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| Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona receives medical treatment after picking up an injury during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona at Estadio de San Mames on March 03, 2024 in Bilbao, Spain. |
The nine-day gap between Barcelona’s win against Las Palmas and their next game against PSG in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League has created intense anticipation around the tie.
It has also been a blessing in disguise for the Catalan giants, who are trying to recover several injured players ahead of the clash, including an entire starting midfield.
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were the first to pick up injuries, hurting their hamstring and ankle, respectively against Athletic Club early in March.
Interestingly, the third midfielder to pick up an injury was Andreas Christensen. He has been nursing an Achilles discomfort since ahead of the game vs Atletico Madrid. He did not travel with the Danish National Team for the international break either.
Can Christensen make it back in time?
According to an update issued by Mundo Deportivo, Christensen will undergo tests tomorrow to determine his availability against PSG.
He has not joined team training yet but is expected to be available for the first-leg clash and is even in contention to start.
The Dane has been suffering from discomfort in his ankle for a few months now, with Xavi often resorting to substituting him ahead of other players during games.
Christensen has been playing as a holding midfielder for the last couple of months and has done exceedingly well in that position. The team are, so far, unbeaten with him playing in midfield.
What about De Jong and Pedri?
There have been a ton of contrasting updated on Frenkie de Jong and Pedri’s injuries so far.
Both players were expected to return to the squad, at least, ahead of the game, but it seems only De Jong will be given that medical green light.
The 26-year-old participated in team training recently, but only partly. His fitness levels are said to be at 99%.
If things go according to plan, it seems he could form the starting midfield alongside Gundogan and Christensen.
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