FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has revealed that Raphinha and Ronald Araujo ‘will not play’ when the Catalans host Osasuna at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday night.
Barca’s early return in La Liga comes because of an outstanding clash after first team Doctor Carles Minarro Garcia passed on earlier this month.
Now, the La Liga leaders have an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the standings after a dramatic 4-2 comeback against Atletico Madrid right before the international break.
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Speaking in his pre-match presser on the availability of South Americans Raphinha and Araujo, Flick explained that their fixtures this week make it impossible to count on them, yet he can rely on other players to make the difference in their absence.
“Araujo and Raphinha are ruled out. They will not play against Osasuna. Raphinha played for Brazil today. Impossible to play tomorrow as well. The journey is too long and they need rest”, he said.
In their absence, the likes of Ferran Torress, Gavi and Eric Garcia could be handed more minutes to fill in for the Barcelona captains.
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