"He’s gonna be back with us this week” - Barcelona handed huge injury boost as Hansi Flick provides positive update on 25-year-old star
Barcelona have been handed a huge injury boost, as manager Hansi Flick has provided a positive update on defender Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan has been out of contention since the summer, following an injury he suffered while on international duty at Copa America 2024.
In the quarter-final match against Brazil at the Allegiant Stadium on July 7, he had to be substituted off in the 33rd minute due to injury. Uruguay went on to win that match on penalties, but they ended up losing in the semi-finals to Colombia, beating Canada to end up in third place.
Araujo's hamstring injury kept him on the sidelines. He missed the start of the season under Hansi Flick, and so far, Barcelona have played 17 games without the 25-year-old. However, the manager has now revealed that Araujo is set to return to training, telling the press (via Fabrizio Romano):
“He’s gonna be back with us this week."
It is uncertain if Araujo will partake in their upcoming La Liga match against Celta Vigo at the Balaidos on November 23. However, Barca face Brest in the Champions League on November 26 and Las Palmas in La Liga four days later, with both matches taking place at home. With matches coming thick and fast, Araujo will certainly find some playing time.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick wants team to succeed without Yamine Lamal
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has pushed for his team to succeed, despite Lamine Yamal's absence due to injury. The 17-year-old prodigy is struggling with an ankle injury, which has made him unavailable for their upcoming games against Celta Vigo and Brest.
It is worth noting that Barcelona have lost league matches when Lamine Yamal did not start. They lost 4-2 to Osasuna on September 28, with Yamal coming off the bench. He was injured in their last match against Real Sociedad on November 10, and they lost 1-0.
Speaking about this to the press, Hansi Flick said he would ask if the team can win games in Yamal's absence (via ESPN):
"I will ask the team this [on Saturday]. I think it's a good question for them."
He added:
"Against Real Sociedad we didn't play very good, so that was the reason, [it was] not about Lamine not playing. Lamine is for us very important, but we also have to adapt to this. We have players who can play for him [on the right]."
Yamal has been instrumental to Barcelona's play this season, scoring six goals and providing eight assists in 16 appearances so far.