Barcelona have little time to dwell on their latest setbacks as Hansi Flick attempts to keep his team competitive across multiple competitions.

The Catalan giants entered the season with ambitions of defending their domestic honours while making another serious push in Europe.

Flick’s tactical approach places considerable demands on his defenders, particularly when Barcelona push high up the pitch and leave space behind their defensive line.

That makes having experienced players available particularly important when the schedule becomes congested.

The club’s recent injury problems have forced the German coach to reconsider his options at the back.

With several important fixtures approaching, Barcelona need their sidelined players to return without suffering further setbacks.

Andreas Christensen return game revealed

Andreas Christensen could provide Barcelona with a timely lift, with the Danish defender being targeted for a return ahead of their La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid on 8 November.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick hopes to have the centre-back available for the trip to Atletico, although a place in the starting line-up is not currently expected unless circumstances demand it.

Andreas Christensen has been absent since sustaining a muscle injury in Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla on 19 September.

Medical tests confirmed damage to the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh, with the original recovery estimate ranging between six and eight weeks.

The 30-year-old’s potential return would be particularly valuable given the number of defenders currently unavailable.

Xavi Espart is expected to miss around seven weeks with an ankle injury, while Eric Garcia is not expected back until after the November international break.

Jules Kounde is also working towards a return after suffering an ankle sprain.

Christensen brings considerable experience to Flick’s squad.

Since joining Barcelona from Chelsea in 2022, he has won multiple domestic honours, including La Liga titles, and has demonstrated his ability to operate both at centre-back and in defensive midfield.

His availability would give Flick another experienced option for a demanding encounter against Atletico, even if he is initially limited to a substitute’s role.

Barcelona will be keen to avoid rushing the defender back too soon.

After previous injury interruptions, ensuring Christensen returns fully fit could prove just as important as having him available for one major fixture.