Raphinha & Araujo to Miss Osasuna Clash – Flick Sounds Off!

Hansi Flick has confirmed that Raphinha and Ronald Araujo will be sitting out the team’s rescheduled La Liga showdown against Osasuna this Thursday. Yep, no action for these two stars, and Flick’s got a good reason.

Both players were busy with their national teams for the South American World Cup qualifiers, and let’s be real, those matches were intense. Raphinha played in Brazil’s tough 4-1 loss to Argentina, while Araujo was benched in Uruguay’s goalless draw against Bolivia. Add in those long-haul flights back to Spain, and you’ve got two exhausted players. Flick isn’t about to push them right back into action.

“They’re not playing, they’re not in the squad. The long flight and recovery time are important,” Flick explained in Wednesday’s press conference. And honestly, he’s got a point. No one wants half-fit players struggling on the pitch!

Now, here’s where things get spicy. This Osasuna game was originally set for March 8 but got postponed after the tragic passing of one of Barça’s doctors. The reschedule isn’t exactly ideal, and Flick made it clear he’s not thrilled about it.

On top of that, Barcelona faces Leganes on Saturday, April 12, in another late-night fixture. That’s just three days before their massive Champions League quarter-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund on April 15. Flick didn’t hold back on his thoughts about the hectic schedule.

“When you play away at 9 PM, you get back super late, and recovery takes a hit,” he said. “I’m not happy with this. Other leagues handle it better for Champions League teams.”

Despite all the fixture madness, Flick is keeping his head up. He believes his squad is stacked with talent and ready to grab all three points against Osasuna. “No excuses, we go for it,” he stated confidently.

“Even with some players missing, we have a strong squad. We can beat anyone. We’re staying positive.” Now that’s the energy we love to see!

So, while Raphinha and Araujo rest up, there’s good news elsewhere. Inigo Martinez, who had to pull out of the Spanish national team squad, is fit and ready to start. Pau Cubarsi, who picked up a knock with Spain, will also be available, though he’s set for a bench role.

Barça fans, get ready for a big night at the Camp Nou. Even without Raphinha and Araujo, Flick’s squad is fired up and ready to take care of business. Let’s see if they can extend their lead at the top of La Liga!