The decision has been made as he feels he is not yet ready to return to competitive international football, despite making his comeback for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
The 30-year-old defender played the final 30 minutes of the LaLiga meeting at the Metropolitano, having spent more than six weeks recovering from a muscle injury to the rectus femoris in his left quadriceps. It was his first appearance since suffering the injury on September 20, but Christensen believes he still needs time to rebuild his fitness before taking on the demands of international football.
Denmark coach Brian Riemer revealed that the decision came directly from the player, who was deeply disappointed to miss the opportunity to represent his country.
“He has considered that he is not ready and, therefore, has had to withdraw. In the state his body is in right now, he does not feel prepared to play international matches,” Riemer told Tipsbladet.
The Denmark manager also described an emotional conversation with Christensen as the defender explained his decision.
“He loves the Danish national team. Last night I practically had a man in tears on the phone because he is so frustrated and upset about this situation,” Riemer said.
Christensen’s absence is particularly frustrating given his desire to remain involved with Denmark, but both the player and the national team recognise the importance of avoiding another setback. His injury record has repeatedly interrupted his progress, and the priority now is to allow him to return gradually rather than risk pushing him too hard.
Riemer understands that even though Christensen has returned to the Barcelona matchday squad and managed half an hour against Atletico, he is still some way from being able to complete a full match.
“Even if he could be available for the bench and play five minutes, there is still a long way to go before he can play 90 minutes and be competitive at the highest level,” the coach explained.
The plan is therefore for Christensen to continue his rehabilitation and conditioning work with Barcelona rather than attempt to accelerate his recovery during the international window. Riemer stressed that the defender remains an important part of his plans and that his history of injuries has not changed Denmark’s view of him.
“We are equally interested in having him ready for March,” he added.
The latest setback continues a difficult period for the Barcelona centre-back. He has already missed seven matches through injury this season, while his previous campaigns have been heavily disrupted by physical problems.
Last season, Christensen missed 36 matches for club and country, including time out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. During the 2024-25 campaign, Achilles tendon problems and a muscular condition kept him unavailable for 50 matches.
The defender signed a contract extension with Barcelona earlier this year, committing himself to the club for another two seasons. His immediate focus, however, is on building up his fitness and putting an end to the cycle of injuries that has repeatedly prevented him from establishing continuity.
Riemer’s comments underline the disappointment felt by Christensen, but also the shared understanding that his return must be handled carefully.