Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has revealed that he is planning to hand Ronald Araujo his first appearance of the campaign in the La Liga clash with Leganes on December 15.
Araujo suffered a tendon injury in his right hamstring while representing Uruguay at the 2024 Copa America, which led to him undergoing an operation.
The centre-back has made huge steps forward in recent weeks, though, with the 25-year-old now taking part in full training sessions alongside his teammates.
Flick has ruled Araujo out of Saturday's La Liga clash with Real Betis, while he is not expected to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League next week, with his return instead set to come against Leganes.
"'He won't be available for tomorrow. Maybe he could play against Dortmund, but our objective is to have him for Leganes. It's not easy to include him in every game because the team is doing well. I'm very happy, in training today we are focusing on tomorrow," said the Barcelona boss during Friday's press conference.
Barcelona's Ansu Fati on August 12, 2024© Imago
Araujo in line for Barcelona return vs. Leganes
Flick also confirmed that both Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen have resumed training, with the pair potentially being available before the winter break in Spain.
Barcelona have another four games before the campaign is halted, facing Real Betis, Leganes and Atletico Madrid in La Liga, in addition to Bundesliga giants Dortmund in the Champions League.
Fati has been absent since the start of November due to a thigh injury, while Christensen has been missing since the opening matchday of the campaign with a troublesome Achilles problem.
"I think when you think about next year how many games we have from the beginning of the year it's important to have rotation, to get players back. Of course I like to see players recovering, hopefully they can all recover before the end of the year," added the manager when questioned on Fati and Christensen.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick on August 27, 2024© Imago
Flick wary of "very good" Real Betis
Barcelona will enter Saturday's clash with Real Betis off the back of a 5-1 success over Mallorca, and they currently sit four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, albeit having played a game more.
"It's a very good team and they have experienced players. We already know in the end what they are capable of, they always press high and we have to be careful. We have to concentrate on our game," Flick added on Friday.
"We must have the same mentality as in Mallorca. Next week we also have the Champions League, it's important that the team believes in its strengths, that's what this young team needs.
"It's normal, when you win it's much better than when you lose. That's how I also see the players, it was a great victory, but at the end, I see them also very focused. It's good to feel it and see it."
Flick also confirmed during his press conference that Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 22 times in 20 appearances this term, would be back in the starting XI against Real Betis after being rested for the clash with Mallorca during the week.
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