Barcelona and Hansi Flick do not have long to reset after the win over Deportivo Alaves, for they next face a giant in La Liga as they play host to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The Catalans will look to take all three points over Los Rojiblancos and cement their position as a team that are recovering their best version, although it will not be easy given how Diego Simeone’s side have improved over the past month.
For Barcelona, the big boost will be the return of Frenkie de Jong, and likely Pedri, as starters on the night, with even Raphinha likely to start after his stellar showing on Saturday. The doubt, however, is Ronald Araujo.
Far more than gastroenteritis
Ronald Araujo missed Barcelona’s clash yesterday evening due to a stomach virus, as confirmed by the club.
As relayed by AS, the player is still not training at the club facilities, and the reason is far beyond the medical basis claimed.
The Spanish outlet reports that Araujo is deeply affected by the events that unfolded at Stamford Bridge and the manner in which his red card cost the team dearly once again.
Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona
Araujo was shown a red card vs Chelsea. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The mental blockade and his fragile status, along with the stomach issue, needless to say, rule him out for Tuesday.
In fact, the report adds that the Uruguayan star is far more deeply affected by his mistake against Chelsea than he was for his errors against PSG and Inter Milan two seasons ago and last season, respectively, both of which led to the team’s elimination.
Barcelona’s coaching staff thus suggests and prefers that the captain take a break to physically and mentally reset from his illness and mental fragility. He is only expected to return for the weekend’s clash against Real Betis.
In Araujo’s absence, Flick turned to Gerard Martin to cover as the team’s second centre-back last night.
Against Atletico Madrid, however, all signs point to Eric Garcia returning to central defence with Jules Kounde starting at right-back.