Confirmed! Flick reveals a couple of key absences that Barça will have for the match against Osasuna

Hansi Flick appeared at the press conference prior to the match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna (21:00 h - Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys), valid for matchday 27 of LaLiga EA Sports. Initially scheduled for March 8, the match was postponed due to the passing of doctor Carles Miñarro moments before the start, which negatively affected the team's morale, as the doctor was very much loved by several Barça athletes.

One of the central topics of the press conference was the possible absence of Raphinha and Ronald Araujo, who were expected to be players unable to participate in the clash against the Navarrese due to just having been released from their international commitments with Brazil and Uruguay, respectively. Hansi Flick confirmed the unavailability of both players.

"They will not play tomorrow, they will not be with the team. They have a long flight and it is not the best way to recover. Ronald did not play the last match, but after his injury it is good that he has trained. We will see what happens for Sunday. We have a good team and what I have seen in training has been positive," he emphasized.

"They will not play tomorrow, they will not be with the team. They have a long flight and it is not the best way to recover."

Raphinha and Ronald Araujo, key absences for Barcelona

Unfortunately, FC Barcelona will not be able to count on two key pieces in their sports project. Initially, it was considered that Ronald Araujo could play or at least be on the bench, especially since the Uruguayan did not participate in the match against Bolivia (0-0) at the Estadio Municipal El Alto.

On the other hand, Raphinha did play the full 90 minutes against Argentina (4-1) and prior to that had played another 90' against Colombia at the Mané Garrincha (2-1). However, considering the extensive transatlantic journey that both players had to undertake, it was ultimately decided to do without them.

Pau Cubarsí will be part of the squad against the Navarrese

On the other hand, it has been mentioned that Pau Cubarsí (strain in the anterior tibioperoneal ligament of the right ankle), regardless of having participated in the last training session, will be a notable absence for the clash against the Navarrese. The German coach confirmed that 'Cuba' will not be in the starting eleven, although he did not rule out his presence in the squad. "Eric and Iñigo will play as center-backs. Pau will be on the bench. It is better for him to have a couple more days because he needs it. The injury is not serious, but it is good for him to have more days. If we had needed him, he would play," he added.

"Pau will be on the bench. It is better for him to have a couple more days because he needs it."

Lewandowski could also see action against the Pamplona team

Finally, regarding the possible notable absences, Hansi Flick confirmed whether he could count on Robert Lewandowski for this match, recalling that it had been mentioned that the player was experiencing some discomfort. "He is ready to play, we will decide tomorrow if he is a starter. He feels good and it is a good situation for us. Ferran is also in shape," he concluded.