Barcelona handed major boost as key defender is fit to face Osasuna | OneFootball

Inigo Martinez may well be Barcelona’s most improved player under Hansi Flick and he has been the Catalans’ leader at the back from the beginning of the season.

His improved form, needless to say, has not gone unnoticed and he was called up to represent the Spanish national team in the ongoing international break by manager Luis de la Fuente.

The player, however, did not travel to join the team after suffering a minor fitness blow and was said to be a doubt even for Barcelona’s first game after the hiatus against Osasuna.

Recovery going well

As relayed by Javi Miguel in a recent update, Martinez’s recovery from injury is going better than initially expected.

The report suggests that the veteran is training with the group today and that he will be available for Barcelona’s game against Osasuna on Thursday night.

Inigo set to be ready for Osasuna clash. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Needless to say, this comes as a massive boost for Hansi Flick’s side.

After all, the clash against Osasuna was not initially on the cards for Barcelona this week. The game was postponed after the untimely demise of a club doctor and La Liga’s decision to play the game on 27th did not sit well with Barcelona.

With Martinez battling injury, Cubarsi suffering a blow on international duty and Ronald Araujo a doubt owing to international commitment, it looked like Flick would have to rely on the likes of Eric Garcia for the all-important game.

Martinez’s return, needless to say, is a big boost. Moreover, the club is making arrangements for Araujo to return earlier than expected while Cubarsi is also not entirely ruled out on the night.

So far this season, the Spaniard has made 21 league starts for Barcelona and even has eight UEFA Champions League starts to his name. In that duration, he has even scored two goals and provided one assist in the European competition.