Barca Faces Defensive Crisis as International Break Looms
Click to start listening
Synopsis
FC Barcelona faces a defensive shortage as coach Hansi Flick may only have two central defenders available for their La Liga match against Osasuna. The game, postponed due to the death of team doctor Carles Minarro, is set to proceed amid international break challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Hansi Flick has a limited defensive lineup.
- The match against Osasuna was postponed earlier due to a tragic incident.
- Raphinha and Araujo will face international duties before the match.
- Pau Cubarsi is out due to an ankle injury.
- Upcoming matches provide little recovery time for players.
Madrid, March 25 (NationPress) FC Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick is expected to have only two central defenders available for the rescheduled La Liga match against Osasuna on Thursday night. This game was initially set for March 8 but was postponed following the unexpected passing of Barca team doctor Carles Minarro just hours before kickoff. The match is proceeding despite objections from both Barcelona and Osasuna, as it takes place before the conclusion of the international break.
Barcelona players Raphinha and Ronald Araujo are scheduled to participate in South American qualifying matches late on Tuesday, with Brazil's Raphinha facing Argentina and Araujo's Uruguay playing against Bolivia, according to reports from Xinhua.
Flick is also likely to miss Pau Cubarsi, who was substituted during Spain's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands last Thursday due to an ankle injury and is now undergoing treatment with his club.
This situation leaves the coach with only Eric Garcia and Inigo Martinez available, with Martinez having returned to training at the beginning of the week after withdrawing from the Spain squad due to a knee issue.
Moreover, the coach may be concerned about Lamine Yamal, who played all 120 minutes in Spain's thrilling penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands on Sunday.
Pedri also comes back after playing a crucial role in Spain's qualification, although he was substituted on Sunday.
This situation is critical, as the team has little time for recovery in the upcoming month. Following the Osasuna match on Thursday night, Barca will face Girona on Sunday afternoon.
On April 2, Barca will visit the Metropolitano Stadium for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal after the first leg ended in a 4-4 draw. On April 5, they will compete against Betis in La Liga, again with less than 72 hours to recover, before hosting Borussia Dortmund on April 9 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal.
