Barcelona handed boost as long-term absentee close to receiving medical clearance ahead of Spanish Super Cup: Reports

Barcelona have received a major boost as defender Andreas Christensen is reportedly close to receiving a medical clearance after his long injury absence. Christensen could return ahead of the Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup) clash in January.

He has featured in only one game for Barcelona this season before being sidelined owing to an Achilles tendon injury he picked up in August 2024. The Denmark international has missed 24 games for the Catalan giants so far. In his absence alongside key defender Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, and Pau Cubarsi have been regular starters in the Blaugrana backline under coach Hansi Flick.

According to AS journalist Javi Miguel, Christensen is nearing his return and could be granted medical clearance as early as next week. The centre-back could be fit before Barcelona's Supercopa de Espana semifinal clash against Athletic Club on January 8, 2025. Christensen's return could be a major boost for the Catalan side as they will look to secure their first trophy of the season with the Spanish Super Cup.

Before Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup semifinal clash, they will face Barbastro in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on January 4. The match could be a good opportunity for Hansi Flick to test the waters with Christensen before playing him for a longer time. The Dane has already begun training with the group leaving the club confident about his return.

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Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal nearing his return from injury for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final: Reports

Lamine Yamal - Source: Getty

According to AS, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has recovered significantly from his ankle injury. The 17-year-old injured his right ankle during Barcelona's 0-1 loss against Leganes in LaLiga this month. Yamal was expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks but is reportedly eyeing an early return for the Spanish Super Cup semifinal clash against Athletic Bilbao.

The aforementioned report claims that underwent a thorough check-up on Sunday (December 29) to understand the condition of his ankle. The results were reportedly positive, indicating that the teenager's ankle is healing well. Barca are optimistic about Yamal's return ahead of the crucial Spanish Super Cup clash.

Lamine Yamal has been working hard on his recovery since picking up the injury. The youngster also traveled to Dubai to receive the Best Emerging Player Award at the Globe Soccer Awards this month. The Spaniard was accompanied by a club trainer who ensured the teenage sensation's recovery is on the right track.

However, the club should take their time with Yamal's return to avoid any mishap. The teenager could initially play for a few minutes as a substitute before making a full-fledged return to the pitch to allow the injury to heal properly.