Araujo set for Barcelona starting return against Albacete in Copa clash
The Uruguayan defender hasn't started for Barça since his red card against Chelsea in November, but is expected to make Flick's first XI for Tuesday's cup tie.
Barcelona’s long-absent defensive rock Ronald Araujo is poised to make his first start in over two months when the Catalan giants face Albacete in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey showdown.
Back in business
The Uruguayan centre-back hasn’t been named in Barcelona’s starting eleven since that fateful Champions League clash against Chelsea in late November - you know, the one where he got his marching orders. Talk about a proper drought!
Since that red card against the Blues, Araujo’s been on a bit of a journey:
- Forced to spend several weeks on the sidelines following the dismissal
- Returned to training after the Christmas break in late December
- Has featured in matchday squads and made brief cameo appearances
- But hasn’t cracked the starting lineup… until now
Flick’s rotation plans
Hansi Flick appears ready to shuffle his pack for the Copa del Rey fixture, giving some of his less-utilized squad members a run-out. Araujo fits right into this category, having been limited to substitute appearances since his return from that enforced absence.
The German gaffer clearly rates the Uruguayan highly and views his full recovery and reintegration as absolutely crucial for Barcelona’s ambitions this season. Getting Araujo back up to speed could be proper important for their trophy hopes across all competitions.
For Araujo himself, this represents a golden opportunity to remind everyone of his defensive qualities and re-establish himself as a cornerstone of Barça’s backline. After spending more time on the bench than a park pigeon, he’ll be absolutely buzzing to get stuck in from the first whistle.