Barcelona rocked by defensive injury blow ahead of Champions League last 16

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed centre-back Andreas Christensen is back on the sidelines with another injury concern.

Christensen suffered an Achilles issue in the first game of the season and spent the next four months on the sidelines. He returned to the bench in January, only for a muscle injury picked up in training to prevent him from making his official comeback.

The Dane has once again been struck down by the same muscular problem, with Flick telling Saturday's press conference that Christensen will not be available for selection for the foreseeable future.

"We will have to wait and see how serious it is," the German boss said. "Let's hope it's not too serious."

It leaves Christensen with just 26 minutes of action to his name across all competitions this season, having only featured in three matchday squads since his initial setback in August.

Ronald Araujo's recent return from injury has helped ease the pressure on Christensen to return but has also given the Dane a tough task to prove himself under Flick. Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez are his clear favourites, with Araujo and Eric Garcia offering cover.

Having entered the final 18 months of his contract, Christensen is reported to be available for transfer this summer as Barcelona seek to raise as much money as possible before his value starts to decrease. Manchester United have been linked with the former Chelsea centre-back, although his extensive fitness struggles will be a concern for any suitors.

Barcelona host Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday before travelling to Lisbon for the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie against Benfica on Wednesday.

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