Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that winger Raphinha and defender Ronald Araujo will miss Thursday�s rearranged LaLiga match against Osasuna due to fatigue and recovery needs following their international commitments. The duo participated in South American World Cup qualifiers earlier this week, with Raphinha starting in Brazil�s 4-1 defeat to Argentina and Araujo remaining an unused substitute in Uruguay�s 0-0 draw with Bolivia. Flick cited the long flights and physical demands of international duty as key factors in his decision.
�They will not play, they are not in the team,� Flick said during a Wednesday news conference. �They have a long flight and it�s not the best way, because they have to recover.�
The scheduling of the Osasuna fixture has drawn ire from the German manager, who expressed frustration over LaLiga�s decision to proceed with the game this week. Originally postponed on March 8 due to the passing of a Barcelona club doctor, the match was rescheduled despite the club�s unsuccessful appeal. Flick also highlighted the tight turnaround between Saturday�s late-night away game against Leganes on April 12 and the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund on April 15.
�When playing away, always at nine, we arrive late back in the night. It�s to do with recovery for the players,� Flick said. �I am not happy with this. When you see other leagues with Champions League teams, it�s different to here.�
Despite the challenges, Flick remains confident in his squad�s ability to secure a victory and maintain their lead at the top of LaLiga. �Always no excuses, we go for it,� he declared. �Tomorrow we will go for it. I think we have big, big quality in this team. We can win against everyone, even if some players are not in the team.�
Flick also provided updates on other squad members. Defender Inigo Martinez will start against Osasuna despite withdrawing from Spain�s national team, while young star Pau Cubarsi, who suffered an injury on international duty, is fit enough to be named on the bench.
Barcelona will look to extend their dominance in LaLiga with a win on Thursday, showcasing their depth and resilience amid a packed schedule. �We�re looking forward and are very positive,� Flick concluded.
