Hansi Flick is facing a selection headache ahead of the Champions League clash, with several players struggling for fitness before Wednesday’s first leg against Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou.
The weekend’s La Liga meeting against the same opponents added two more names to the injury list. While neither issue is considered serious, both players remain doubts for the first leg tomorrow.
With a number of absentees and question marks over key individuals, it will be intriguing to see how Flick sets up for this crucial opening tie. Here’s a look at the players ruled out and those still facing late fitness tests.
Ronald Araujo
The injury came in the weekend fixture with Atletico with a substitute required in the 41st minute, but not considered to be anything serious upon the conclusion of the victory at the Metropolitano.
The captain has been pictured in training today and is anticipated to be fit for the first leg, after recovering from tightness in the left thigh muscle. His start is not a given his drop in form and currently being out of the centre back pairing.
Marc Bernal
Marc Bernal, who replaced Araújo in that match, was also forced off after suffering an ankle sprain. His recovery is expected to take slightly longer, and he has not been included in the squad for this fixture.
There is optimism that he will be fit in time for the second leg, but his absence will be a significant blow tomorrow evening. In the weekend clash, his absence often left Pedri isolated in midfield alongside Eric García, exposing a lack of balance in the centre of the pitch.
Raphinha
Sidelined with an injury sustained on international duty, he is expected to remain out until early May, with a return targeted for El Clásico. Having just come back from a short break in Brazil, he has now begun his rehabilitation programme. He is likely to be at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, supporting his teammates from the stands.
Frenkie De Jong
The Dutch midfielder was expected to return to training on Monday and could have been in contention for a limited role in the first leg, as well as this weekend’s fixture.
However, his involvement on Wednesday appears zero chance, with a return for the second leg a more realistic, though not guaranteed, target. Bernal’s absence has disrupted the usual balance alongside Pedri, leaving Flick to decide between Marc Casadó and Eric García as his midfield partner.