Chelsea news: Andreas Christensen in ‘excellent place’ as deal agreed – expert
Barcelona-bound Chelsea star Andreas Christensen is likely in an “excellent place” ahead of the run-in despite recent injury concerns.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Christensen, 25, withdrew half an hour into Chelsea’s Champions League last-16 second-leg clash against Lille on 16 March.
The nature of his setback is unspecified but he was named in Denmark’s squad for the current round of international fixtures.
He did not play in the 4-2 defeat to the Netherlands last Saturday (26 March) and is a doubt for tonight’s clash against Serbia, per london.live.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted yesterday (28 March) that the centre-back has agreed a deal to join Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer.
Dinnery assessed whether the outgoing defender would be fit for Chelsea’s next game against Brentford on Saturday (2 April).
“He has been carrying a bit of an Achilles issue,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“We heard Tuchel say he was in contention to return in the last domestic fixture, but he missed those games.
“No chances being taken. There’s no point in unnecessary risks.
“The fact that there is at least a possibility he could be involved against Holland, it’s an opportunity to get minutes in his legs.
“But you have to keep your fingers crossed that he gets through that game unscathed.
“Getting a run-out for the national team could actually be beneficial for that run-in. The considerations are always about the risk and reward.
“But given the nature of the game, the expectation is that they wouldn’t take many risks.
“Either way, the fact it is not too severe would suggest that Christensen is in an excellent place for the rest of the season.”
Christensen has played 29 times for Chelsea this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Barcelona have also reportedly agreed the free transfer of 25-year-old AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
In other news, pundit suggests Newcastle United will “replace” Chelsea among Premier League elite after £1billion update.