Barcelona could receive welcome boost for rescheduled Osasuna clash as key star might become available | OneFootball

A recent report from Mundo Deportivo suggests that Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo might have a small chance of being available for the rescheduled La Liga fixture against Osasuna.

This possibility arises due to Uruguay’s national team coach, Marcelo Bielsa, who may opt for younger and fresher players for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.

If that happens, Araujo could be released early, allowing him to return to Barcelona in time for the crucial league match.

Tight schedule for Araujo

Uruguay are set to face Argentina and Bolivia during the ongoing international break. While Bielsa has not confirmed his starting lineup, Araujo is widely expected to feature in defence.

His potential defensive partners could include Atletico Madrid’s Jose Maria Gimenez or Napoli’s Mathias Olivera. Given the importance of these matches, it is unlikely that Bielsa will heavily rotate his squad for the game against Argentina.

Ronald Araujo could return in time for the Osasuna clash. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

However, the situation for the second match against Bolivia remains unclear. This match is scheduled for March 25, while Barcelona will likely play the postponed clash against Osasuna on March 27.

There is still hope

The key factor fueling speculation over Araujo’s availability is the size of Uruguay’s squad. Bielsa has named a total of 38 players for this international window, which provides him with plenty of options to adjust his lineup as needed.

Reports indicate that the Argentine coach could favour physically strong and fast players over technically gifted ones for the Bolivia game.

This is because given the extreme altitude of La Paz, where the match will take place, stamina and endurance will be vital.

This approach raises the question of whether Araujo will be included in that lineup or if he will be allowed to return early to Barcelona.

At this point, only Bielsa’s final decision will determine whether Araujo remains with the national team for both fixtures or heads back to Barcelona in time to feature in the crucial league match.