Barça could count on Raphinha and Araujo for the match against Osasuna on March 27: How would it be possible?

One of the major challenges that FC Barcelona faces, if against all odds, they play in the match against CA Osasuna on March 27, would be the absence of two key players in their tactical scheme: Ronald Araujo and Raphinha. This poses a considerable challenge for the Culés.

The absence of the left winger from Porto Alegre would have a significant impact on the offensive side. Raphinha has been the architect of 27 goals and 21 assists in 42 matches so far in this 2024-25 season, standing out not only for his statistics but also for his performance on the field. He is a player who contributes in all aspects of the game: scoring, assisting, creating play, and carrying out commendable defensive duties.

It is important to remember that 'Rapha' has a high chance of not playing in the match against CA Osasuna, as it is unlikely that he will be released by the 'Canarinha' for that date. Brazil has called him up for the matches against Colombia (early morning of Friday 21/03 at 01:45 am in Spain) and Argentina (early morning of Wednesday 26/03 at 01:00 am in Spain) in the March FIFA international break, corresponding to the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, where the 'Canarinha' currently occupies the fifth position in the qualifying table.

Barcelona could still have Raphinha play against Osasuna on March 27

However, there is a possibility that FC Barcelona could have Raphinha available for the clash against CA Osasuna. Hansi Flick could have the left winger if his national team decides to release him for a particular reason: if he is not eligible for the match against Argentina at the Monumental.

This situation could arise if Raphinha receives a caution against Colombia, the first opponent of Brazil in this FIFA window. If this happens, he would not play against the 'Albiceleste' due to yellow card accumulation, as he is one card away from being sanctioned.

It is worth mentioning that the former Leeds player has been cautioned in three out of the eight matches he has played in these South American qualifiers. If he receives a yellow card against the 'cafeteros', he would miss the match against Argentina due to the accumulation of cards.

However, given Raphinha's undeniable professionalism, he will not seek to be cautioned intentionally against the Colombians. This raises the question: in the event of receiving a yellow card for an accidental action in the match, considering how intense the encounters between Brazil and Colombia have become, would 'Rapha' be willing to return early to Barcelona? Or will he remain focused with the 'Canarinha', considering the importance of the upcoming match against Argentina? This uncertainty, for now, is not entirely clear.

Ronald Araujo could also be an option for the Culés for the match against Osasuna

In another vein, Ronald Araujo faces a similar situation, as the Uruguayan defender received a caution in one of the four matches he has played with the Uruguayan national team (matchday 4 against Brazil in Montevideo). If he receives a yellow card in the next match against Argentina, he would miss the closing match of this qualifying phase against Bolivia at the Estadio Municipal de El Alto (March 25 at 9:00 pm in Spain), so he could return earlier to the Ciudad Condal. This scenario is possibly different from what Raphinha will face.