Barcelona to receive major defensive boosts in the upcoming weeks – Report | OneFootball

Owing to the injuries suffered by two of his important defenders, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, Hansi Flick has trusted the veteran defender Inigo Martinez and the youngster Pau Cubarsi to be the starting center-backs for his FC Barcelona team this season.

Both players have become indispensable to the team, ranking among those with the most minutes played. Martínez leads the squad with 1,416 minutes out of a possible 1,530, while Cubarsí ranks fifth, having logged 1,352 minutes on the pitch.

However, according to Diario AS, Hansi Flick will soon have more options in this critical area, as several injured center-backs are nearing their return to full fitness.

The most advanced case is that of Eric Garcia, who can return to the squad for the upcoming game against Celta de Vigo. The Spaniard was injured in the warm-up to the Sevilla game and has spent the last month on the sidelines with an adductor injury.

Although Garcia played as a midfield pivot earlier in the season, the return of other midfielders means he will return to his natural position in the middle of the defense once he gets back from his injury.

Similarly, Ronald Araujo’s return is also highly anticipated by the Barcelona coach. He is already in the final stretch of his recovery process and can return to the field in December, most probably for the match against Leganes in the middle of the month. Playing in the previous match against Mallorca is also a possibility.

Araujo has already begun video sessions to familiarize himself with Hansi Flick’s defensive approach, which relies on a very high line. His return will not only strengthen Barcelona’s defense but also provide Flick with more flexibility. The Uruguayan’s ability to play as a full-back against speedy wingers could also allow the coach to give Jules Koundé some much-needed rest.

Lastly, Andreas Christensen, who underwent a small surgery three weeks ago to accelerate his recovery, can also return to availability for Flick in December, though he was previously expected to return in January.