Remarkable: Angry Flick includes 'unavailable' Araújo in the squad anyway

Ronald Araújo could unexpectedly feature during Barcelona’s rescheduled La Liga fixture against Osasuna a development that caught many by surprise and added another layer of drama to an already controversial matchday.

The Uruguayan centre-back was initially declared unavailable by head coach Hansi Flick due to insufficient recovery time following his international duty with Uruguay. Araújo had only just returned from a long-haul trip from South America, and Flick had voiced concerns that the player had not been able to recover properly, particularly given the exhausting travel schedule and the lack of adequate rest on the return flight. Despite that, Araújo himself reportedly insisted on being included in the matchday squad, and after evaluating his physical condition more closely, Flick made the call to allow him to participate.

The buildup to the match had already been clouded by tension between Barcelona and La Liga, with Flick openly criticizing the league’s decision to schedule the fixture against Osasuna so soon after the international break. The German coach expressed visible frustration in his press conference, pointing out that Barcelona were being forced to play just days after several of their key players had participated in matches thousands of miles away from Spain. In his view, the timing of the match did not take into account player welfare or proper recovery protocols, especially for those returning from South America.

According to Flick, both Raphinha and Araújo were heavily impacted by the trip, with the coach saying the players “couldn’t recover properly on the plane” and hadn’t had enough time to train under optimal conditions. While Raphinha ultimately did not make the squad for the Osasuna game, the inclusion of Araújo showed both the player’s commitment and the coaching staff’s pragmatic decision-making. With Barcelona in the thick of a tense title race and battling a demanding fixture list, the defender’s availability even under less-than-ideal circumstances was a welcome boost.

Beyond Araújo’s return, Flick was also handed a series of last-minute positives regarding squad depth. Young centre-back Pau Cubarsí, who had to skip Spain’s return fixture against the Netherlands due to a minor knock, recovered in time and was added to the lineup. Iñigo Martínez also returned to contention, giving the team more defensive stability. Perhaps most importantly, Frenkie de Jong was declared fit to play despite featuring twice for the Netherlands during the international break, including a high-intensity clash against Spain. The Dutch midfielder’s presence gave Barcelona more control in midfield, something that proved decisive in a tight and nervy affair.

Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Osasuna was far from a spectacle, but it was exactly what the Catalans needed. The lone goal, which secured all three points, brought Barça level with Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, both sitting on 60 points. However, Barcelona still have a game in hand, which gives them a crucial advantage as the season heads into its final stretch. Given the unpredictable nature of the title race and the relentless form of both top clubs, every point could be decisive.

The tension surrounding this match from Flick’s public criticism to Araújo’s surprise inclusion only underscored the pressure Barcelona are under as they look to reclaim domestic dominance. While some within the club were unhappy with La Liga’s scheduling, the result served as a small statement of defiance, a signal that the team could push through adversity and deliver when it mattered most.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the upcoming clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid in May, a fixture that now looms even larger following Barça’s win over Osasuna. That match, to be played in Catalonia, could very well be the decisive moment in the 2024–25 La Liga campaign. Should Barcelona win their game in hand and then take points off Madrid in the Clásico, the momentum could swing definitively in their favor.

In the meantime, Barcelona will look to keep their composure and manage player fatigue as best as they can, especially with the Champions League knockout stages also in full swing. For Flick, who’s already had to navigate a turbulent start to his tenure, the win over Osasuna was more than just three points it was a show of character from a squad determined to rise above the chaos.