Barcelona defender ‘practically ruled out’ of Osasuna clash; working to return vs Girona | OneFootball

When Pau Cubarsi hobbled off the pitch during Spain’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg against the Netherlands, it sent alarm bells ringing at Barcelona.

After all, the 18-year-old is one of Hansi Flick’s most important players and has been a permanent fixture in the defensive line when fit and available.

While the ankle sprain was not serious, Cubarsi was still released from the Spain squad and returned to Catalonia over the weekend, with Barça hoping to have him fit and ready to face Osasuna on Thursday.

Cubarsi out of Osasuna clash

With Inigo Martinez having made a swift recovery from his injury, there was some hope that Cubarsi could also make it back in time to face Osasuna on Thursday.

However, according to FCBRAC1, the La Masia graduate has been ‘practically ruled out’ of the upcoming La Liga clash.

No Cubarsi or Araujo vs Osasuna. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Cubarsi did not train with the rest of the group today and was seen doing individual work on the sidelines.

Given that Barça will undergo their final training session before the Osasuna game tomorrow, it is expected that the 18-year-old Spanish international will end up missing the match.

In fact, the report adds that Cubarsi is now working with his focus on recovering in time for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Catalan rivals Girona.

With Cubarsi’s absence all but confirmed and Ronald Araujo unlikely to make it back from South America in time to be ready for the match, Flick is expected to set out a centre-back pairing of Eric Garcia and Inigo Martinez against Osasuna.

With crucial games coming up, though, Barcelona will hope that Cubarsi will be recover soon from his ankle issue.