Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has included Ronald Araujo in his squad to face Osasuna in La Liga on Thursday night despite making it clear at his pre-match press conference the defender won’t play.
Flick said he wants Araujo and Raphinha to rest as they only returned from international duty in South America late yesterday after taking the long flight back home.
It was therefore a surprise to see Araujo on Barcelona’s squad list but it appears it’s at that Uruguay international’s request.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the defender was eager to be part of the squad for the match and convinced Flick to include him in a bid to show his commitment.
Ronald Araujo spoke to Hansi Flick today to confirm his committment and intention to be part of the squad vs Osasuna.
Despite long flight and manager’s plan to let him rest, Araujo wanted to be called up to help the team. He feels good and made himself available to help. pic.twitter.com/maqbMuEWOJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 27, 2025
Araujo didn’t play in Uruguay’s game against Bolivia last time out and may not see any minutes against Osasuna either.
Flick has already confirmed that Eric Garcia and Inigo Martinez will be his center-back partnership on Thursday night, with Pau Cubarsi also an option off the bench.