Barcelona receive massive injury boost ahead of Catalan derby - Reports

Barcelona’s star centre-back Ronald Araujo has received the all-clear from the club’s medical department, Javi Miguel of Spanish outlet Diario AS has reported. The news is bound to boost the club’s morale ahead of Saturday’s (December 31) Catalan derby against Espanyol.

Uruguay international Araujo has not been in action since picking up a thigh injury during a friendly with Iran in September. The 23-year-old centre-back had to undergo surgery and was sidelined for up to three months.

Araujo is Back🐐🇺🇾 https://t.co/3Q2h91e9CX

Despite not being fit, Araujo was included in Uruguay’s 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, he didn't make an appearance as the South Americans were eliminated in the group stage.

Araujo returned to Barcelona earlier in December and recently resumed training with the group. It was believed that the club doctors would give him the green light soon. According to Miguel, the medical department has finally declared him fit, making him eligible for selection when Barcelona resume their La Liga campaign on Saturday.

However, given his prolonged absence, Blaugrana boss Xavi might take a cautious approach and ease him back into the fold. Hence, it would not be surprising if the Blaugrana offered Araujo a cameo appearance in the Catalan derby before thrusting him into the starting XI against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, (January 8).

Barcelona superstar Jordi Alba claims La Masia graduates and veterans have extra motivation during Catalan derbies

Before Barcelona's clash against their 16th-placed neighbours Espanyol at the Camp Nou, Jordi Alba disclosed what bragging rights meant for the players. He said that La Masia graduates and club veterans feel extra motivated for such games, possibly because they have a stronger association with the Blaugrana values.

FC Barcelona 5⃣ - 1⃣ RCD Espanyol... 👀

Get ready for #ElDerbiDeBarcelona with us here on #LaLigaTV! 📺 https://t.co/kUO2gCvK0i

Speaking at one of his football camps, Alba said (via Sport):

“A special match. The people from here, who have been at the club for a long time, who have played them since we were very young, live them [the derbies] in a very different way.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of people at the Camp Nou who will cheer us on as always.”

Alba, who has been given a run for his money by Alejandro Balde and Marcos Alonso, could be thrust into the XI following his encouraging performances with Spain in Qatar. He played four times for Spain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, providing three assists.