'Central drama' at Barça: Hansi Flick seeks solutions against Osasuna

The match against Osasuna on March 27 keeps FC Barcelona on edge. The Blaugrana will arrive at the clash against the Rojillos with a defense in shambles, as the injuries of Iñigo Martínez and Andreas Christensen have been compounded by the injury of Pau Cubarsí, who left the Spain camp due to a sprain in his ankle. Additionally, Ronald Araujo may join the squad late due to his remaining international commitment, leaving Hansi Flick with a true 'puzzle' in his hands.

On Saturday afternoon, the Catalan entity confirmed that Cubarsí suffered an elongation of the anterior tibioperoneal ligament in his right ankle during the match against the Netherlands in Rotterdam, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming match on Thursday for matchday 27 of LaLiga. His presence is not completely ruled out, but he is a serious doubt, although it will be next Monday when it will be confirmed if he arrives in time.

The case of Araujo, on the other hand, is somewhat more encouraging. After the defeat against Argentina last Friday, Uruguay's coach, Marcelo Bielsa, announced rotations for the last match of this FIFA date against Bolivia, and the Blaugrana center-back has every chance of being one of the players released by 'El Loco'. If this scenario occurs, the player could join the team sooner than expected and arrive in top condition for the match against Osasuna.

Iñigo Martínez, for his part, is suffering from a parameniscitis (inflammation) in the internal meniscus of his right knee, which, in principle, would keep him out for 2 to 3 weeks, but since it is a mild injury, his participation in Thursday's match is not ruled out. In contrast, Andreas Christensen will be absent on March 27, as he is expected to gradually return to training this week, and his medical clearance could come at the end of the month. In both cases, their returns will be handled with utmost caution by the club.

The 'hidden' option for Barça in the center of defense

This cascade of issues in the center of defense leaves Eric García as the only guaranteed option for the match against Osasuna next Thursday. The '24', who stayed in the City of Barcelona during this international break after not being called up by Luis de la Fuente, is the only defender in full physical condition and all indications are that he will start against Vicente Moreno's side.

However, the Martorell native could be accompanied by a surprise option in the heart of the defense, as Sergi Domínguez appears as Flick's 'hidden' option for the backline in case the other players arrive at the limit for the match of matchday 27. The youth player already started against Osasuna in the first round and is a regular for Sergi Milà in Barça Atlètic, which is why he is starting to gain traction as an alternative to reinforce the defense in Thursday's match.