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Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick is facing a defensive headache ahead of next week’s rearranged La Liga fixture against Osasuna, with several key players doubtful for the match.
The timing of the game set for Thursday, at the tail end of the international break has created major complications for Barcelona, as several of their regular central defenders are dealing with injuries or international commitments.
Ronald Araujo is scheduled to play for Uruguay, although he may be given the option to miss the upcoming clash against Bolivia. Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsi is a doubt after being forced to pull out of Spain’s squad due to an ankle injury sustained in the recent 1-1 draw against the Netherlands. To make matters worse, Inigo Martinez is recovering from a knee blow sustained before the international break, and though he's working hard to regain fitness, his availability is still uncertain.
Andreas Christensen will also miss the Osasuna game, with reports indicating that the match will come too soon for the Danish defender. After undergoing two Achilles surgeries, Christensen returned to action in January but has been sidelined once again, and he is now expected to be available for Barcelona’s match against Girona the following Sunday.
With a defensive crisis on his hands, Flick will likely have to rely on Eric Garcia as the only fit, natural central defender. The Barcelona boss will be hoping at least one of Araujo, Cubarsi, or Inigo Martinez can recover in time for the crucial clash against Osasuna.
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