With both La Liga and the summer transfer window underway, Barcelona have a lot on their plate. To be able to compete against other elite Spanish sides while still figuring out their transfer plans is undoubtedly an unwanted frustration. Yet, for better or for worse, that is exactly what Barcelona is dealing with.
Unfortunately, their games up ahead will not be forgiving. While they have already achieved victory in their opening league game against Valencia, their upcoming opponents are none other than Athletic Club. Nico Williams will also be a familiar face there, as his reported move to Barcelona essentially amounted to nothing this summer.
However, there is some bad news for the Catalan club ahead of the game. In the final training session before the match at the Montjuic Stadium, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen was missing from training and will likely not be a part of the squad that takes on Athletic Club.
MD did mention that the reasoning behind his absence was due to physical discomfort in his Achilles tendon, a lingering problem for the Danish defender. It was not, however, due to the player facing a possible departure this summer despite numerous reports linking him to one.
Newcastle United have emerged as one of his biggest suitors from the English Premier League, and many reports argue that due to his initial arrival as a free agent, letting go of him would be a great financial help for the side from Spain. However, at the moment, it seems that the club prefers for the player to stay.
The physical issue, on the other hand, continues to be a big headache for a player who can offer a lot when he is fit and available. With Dani Olmo still unregistered and several key players still in recovery such as the likes of Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Ronald Araujo, the last thing Barcelona needed was another absentee.
Be that as it may, Barça should still strive to get victory over their Basque rivals. While it will not be an easy game by any means, the Catalan giants will get to play infront of their home fans and this is as good a chance as any for Hansi Flick to show them exactly what his team is capable of.
