Barcelona handed huge fitness boost ahead of Copa del Rey clash with Real Sociedad
By Tom Gott
Andreas Christensen has been named in the Barcelona squad to face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday after overcoming a hamstring injury.
The centre-back has been excellent since returning from an ankle problem but had fans sweating when he was forced of at half-time of the 1-0 win over Getafe in La Liga on Sunday after complaining of a problem with his hamstring.
Fortunately for Xavi, it seems as though Christensen's injury was not a serious one as the Dane is back in Barcelona's matchday squad for the Copa quarter-final clash.
Local reports have even suggested Christensen could start Wednesday's game, with Xavi expected to name the same lineup that saw off Real Madrid 3-1 in the Spanish Supercopa final earlier in January.
That would also mean a return to the starting lineup for Robert Lewandowski, who missed the Getafe game through suspension. Ferran Torres is also back involved after serving his own ban.
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Ronald Araujo, who went unused against Getafe, is expected to start at right-back ahead of both Hector Bellerin and Sergi Roberto.
There is no place in the squad for 18-year-old Angel Alarcon, who trained with Xavi's senior side on Monday but has not been handed a spot in the final travelling group.