Barcelona versatile defender could see increased game-time after Christensen’s injury

Barcelona’s final game before the international break saw the team secure a 3-1 victory over Sevilla. But the joy of the win was overshadowed by Andreas Christensen’s injury.

Recent reports indicate the Dane could be out for up to two months due to the thigh injury he picked up against Sevilla.

His injury has already forced Barcelona to step up their efforts in finding a new centre-back in the January transfer window. But it could also see one more change, with Jules Kounde coming into the fray.

Kounde to see increase game-time

According to AS, the injury to Christensen could serve as a boon for Kounde due to Barcelona’s limited depth in the defensive unit.

Kounde has struggled for minutes this season. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The Frenchman has fallen out of favour in the Barcelona starting eleven this season, as Hansi Flick has picked Eric Garcia as his preferred right-back.

As a result, Kounde has featured in only two matches where he has completed the entirety of ninety minutes. He has started only one of the seven league matches so far.

But that could change following the injury to Christensen, given that Barcelona only have limited number of options in the defensive department.

Return to a centre-back role

The report points out that although he might not feature as a right-back ahead of Eric Garcia anytime soon, he could find a place in the left centre-back position.

Can Kounde once again return to prominence in the Barcelona setup? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The left side of the defence has been a weakness for Barcelona, with the club failing to find any one desired partner for Pau Cubarsi.

Christensen is injured, while Gerard Martin’s performances have not been outstanding. This could pave the way for Kounde to return to the centre-back role.

The French international was a centre-back when Barcelona signed him from Sevilla in 2022. But he has operated as a right-back for the better part of his spell at Camp Nou.

Once the season restarts, though, Kounde could compete with Martin for the left-sided centre-back role, thus giving the defender a fresh lease of life after a poor start to the campaign.