After a quite difficult start to the season in respect to injuries, the last few weeks have been rather fortunate for Hansi Flick and FC Barcelona as several of their key players have completed their recoveries and returned to the pitch.
This is the case with players like Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, who were out with long-term problems, while other players like Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Eric Garcia, and Ferran Torres have also returned to availability after spending some time on the sidelines.
Now, the next player in line to make his return is going to be Ronald Araujo, whose return to the field is imminent. However, according to Diario AS, this return will not take place in the upcoming game against Borussia Dortmund, as the Uruguayan is not expected to get the medical green light to participate in this game.
Still, the defender will be a part of the Blaugrana team’s squad for this game, and even getting on this list will be a significant step forward for the Barcelona captain. Flick will be taking Araujo to Germany mainly because he does not want him to miss any of the team’s training sessions.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 14: Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona looks dejected with his runners-up medal after the team's defeat in the Super Copa de España Final match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona on January 14, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Thus, the Uruguayan center-back will have to wait for a few days more to return to the pitch and is likely to get a few minutes in the following match against Leganes. He will play only 10-15 minutes in that game, and after this game, he will make a gradual return to the pitch, as Flick does not want to take any risks with such an important player and club captain.
However, it remains to be seen whom he will replace in Flick’s lineup as both Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez are playing at a very high level. He can also replace Jules Kounde in the right-back position, especially as the Frenchman’s performances have declined in the last few games.
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SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 07: Players of FC Barcelona pose for a team photo prior to the LaLiga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 07, 2024 in Seville, Spain.
Barcelona Atlètic manager Albert Sánchez.
BELGRADE, SERBIA - NOVEMBER 6: Robert Lewandowski (C) of Barcelona celebrates after scoring a goal with Frenkie de Jong (R) and Jules Kounde (L) during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FK Crvena Zvezda and FC Barcelona at Stadium Rajko Mitic on November 6, 2024 in Belgrade, Serbia.