Barcelona defender set to miss Real Betis clash despite training with group – report | OneFootball

Barcelona will be looking to carry forward their momentum from the Spanish Super Cup triumph into the Copa del Rey as they take on Real Betis in the Round of 16 tomorrow.

Heading into the game, manager Hansi Flick has to deal with two fresh absences as Inigo Martinez is out for four weeks due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Wojciech Szczesny will miss the cup tie through suspension.

There was some hope that the Blaugrana could recover Andreas Christensen following Martinez’s loss, but it appears that they will have to wait for the Dane.

Christensen will not receive the medical green light tomorrow

Indeed, according to journalist Adria Albets on Carrusel Deportivo, Christensen will not be given the medical release for tomorrow’s game against Real Betis.

The Dane has been out with an ankle problem since August. Having undergone surgery, the defender has been training with the group in recent weeks but is yet to make a return to the squad list.

No return for Christensen vs Betis. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

There were expectations that his comeback could take place in the Spanish Super Cup but it was not to be, and now even though he trained with the group today, Christensen will not be cleared for tomorrow’s cup tie against Betis.

Instead, as per the report, the idea is for the former Chelsea defender to make his return at the weekend when Barça take on Getafe in La Liga.

Meanwhile, the Blaugrana will also be without long-term absentees Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal for the visit of Manuel Pellegrini’s men, apart from Christensen and Martinez.

It could pave the way for Ronald Araujo to start in defence while Eric Garcia could also get an opportunity.