Barcelona boss Hansi Flick provides injury update on 25-year-old star ahead of Espanyol derby clash

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has provided an update on the fitness of defender Ronald Araujo ahead of their La Liga clash with Espanyol on Sunday, November 3. Flick revealed that Araujo is showing positive signs, but insisted that the team is being cautious and won’t push him to play too soon.

Araujo is yet to play a match for Barcelona since Hansi Flick took over the managerial reins. He has been out of action since July, when he picked up an injury against Brazil in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa America. Days after he picked up the injury, it was reported that he would be ruled out for four months.

During Xavi’s tenure, Araujo was one of La Blaugrana’s most important players in the defensive area. Ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Espanyol, Flick expressed his eagerness to have the Uruguay international back in the team. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):

“Araújo is in good shape, we won't rush him back. We have to take care of him since he's coming back from a bad injury. I will be happy when he's back with us”.

Araujo’s return will undoubtedly provide a boost to Barcelona’s defense, which already appears to be in good shape. The Uruguayan defender spent two seasons with Barça B before he was promoted to the senior team in 2020.

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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says La Liga should have suspended all matches after storm DANA

Hansi Flick is not happy that La Liga only suspended the matches scheduled to be played in Valencia this week. The German manager opined that the league should have postponed all the fixtures instead.

In the aftermath of the severe flooding that stuck the province of Valancia, La Liga postponed all the matches that were scheduled to be held in the city this week. The decision, however, didn't sit well with Flick. He said (via Football Espana):

“I’m not sure (if the match should be postponed). We have Ferran who is from there. It is not easy to make a decision about what to do. Something similar happened three years ago in Germany. We support them, but it’s a matter that is decided by La Liga. If I could make the decision, maybe I would suspend the match because it is a tragedy for Valencia and for Spain.”

Barcelona have been in scintillating form under Hansi Flick this season. They currently sit at the top of the La Liga table, with 30 points from 11 matches.