Hansi Flick says 25-year-old Barcelona star will return to starting lineup for Leganes clash after long injury layoff
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has claimed that star center-back Ronald Araujo could start in their LaLiga clash against Leganes on December 15. The 25-year-old has been recovering from a hamstring injury since July 2024 and is yet to play a single game for the Catalan side this season.
Ronald Araujo has been one of Barcelona's most significant players since joining the first team in 2019. The Uruguayan has maintained 58 clean sheets in 150 outings for La Blaugrana across competitions. His partnership with Pau Cubarsi formed the backbone of the Blaugrana defense under Xavi last season. In his absence, Inigo Martinez has been starting alongside Cubarsi under Flick.
In a pre-match press conference before Barcelona's clash against Real Betis (December 7), Hansi Flick shared an update on Araujo's return.
"We plan for Araujo to START against Leganes," the coach said (via Managing Barca on X).
With Araujo's return to the starting XI, competition for game time is expected to further intensify for Flick's side. It remains to be seen whether Inigo Martinez can retain his position as a starter or Pau Cubarsi gets some well-deserved rest. However, Araujo and Cubarsi are expected to start as center-backs barring any substantial change in Flick's plans.
Barcelona handed double injury boost as Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati return to training
On December 6, Barcelona's official X handle shared the news of defender Andreas Christensen and forward Ansu Fati returning to training. Fati was sidelined after he suffered a hamstring injury in November but has resumed training separately at the Cuitat Esportiva.
Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen has been out since August 2024 due to an ankle injury. There was no specific timeline for his return as the center-back underwent surgery to treat his Achilles tendon discomfort. Despite their return to training, neither Fati nor Christensen is expected to be in the squad against Real Betis on December 7.
Christensen is reportedly expected to return after Christmas, while Fati could make his comeback sooner. The Spaniard has not been a guaranteed starter for Hansi Flick this season, having started only once in seven appearances for the club.
The return of both Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati could be a major boost for Barcelona, strengthening both their attack and defense. Even if neither features as a regular starter, they could provide some much-needed backup to Flick's side. Moreover, changes in the line-up could also guarantee some rest for regular starters.