Hansi Flick appeared at the press conference before the match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona, a clash valid for matchday 16 of LaLiga EA Sports. In this game, the team will look to get back on the winning track in the local tournament, after suffering two defeats (1-0 against Real Sociedad and 1-2 against UD Las Palmas) and a draw (2-2 against Celta de Vigo) in their last three matches. If they fail to achieve a positive result against Mallorca, Real Madrid could catch up with them in the standings during this same matchday and snatch the top spot.
The Heidelberg native had the opportunity to share good news about the injured players. First, he referred to the case of Ronald Araújo, a 25-year-old defender who has been out of action since July 7, when he got injured during the match between Uruguay and Brazil in the Copa America (muscular injury in his right thigh). His recovery time was estimated at approximately 3 to 4 months, a period that is nearing completion, as he has been involved in several training sessions with the team recently.
Regarding his return, Hansi Flick preferred not to go into details, simply mentioning that the recovery prospects are very positive. "Ronald is improving a lot, he's stepping up, he's almost ready. I don't know if it will be in the next game or another, but it looks very good. And that's important," added the German coach.
'All OK' with Dani Olmo and his physical discomfort
Now, concerning the injured players, the Baden-Württemberg native clarified the situation of Dani Olmo, who couldn't play against UD Las Palmas (1-2) due to physical discomfort in the pubis. Although he remained on the bench as a precaution, he has been training without issues lately and is expected to start in the next match against RCD Mallorca.
"Olmo is back and available for the starting eleven."
Finally, when discussing injuries and managing physical workload, Hansi Flick explained how he is handling the physical preparation of the players to prevent them from becoming exhausted in the crucial phase of the season, maintaining the impressive pace that has characterized the Barça team recently. "Yesterday, after the match, and today when I arrived, I thought a lot about this. About rotations, who needs to rest, but when I saw them later, I saw that they all want to play. I don't know if this makes it easier or harder for me that the players recover so quickly. I see them well, I've seen it in training," concluded the German coach.