Barcelona welcome surprise star back from international duty for Osasuna game | OneFootball

Barcelona have surprisingly included centre-back Ronald Araujo in their matchday squad for Thursday's rescheduled clash with Osasuna.

The timing of the fixture, rearranged following the shock death of team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia, has attracted significant criticism as it comes almost immediately after the end of the March international window.

In the build-up to the game, manager Hansi Flick had insisted South American stars Raphinha and Ronald Araujo would not be available due to their involvement in international fixtures in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Raphinha does miss out, but Araujo has made the cut and will travel with the squad to face Osasuna.

Crucially, Araujo did not play for Uruguay in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Bolivia. He sat on the bench for the entirety of the game and Flick has made the decision to throw him right back into the mix domestically.

Just how much of a role Araujo will play remains to be seen. Barcelona were at risk of a defensive injury crisis after both Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez pulled out of the Spain squad through injury, but both have recovered in time to face Osasuna.

Meanwhile, out-of-favour winger Ansu Fati takes Raphinha's place in the squad. The 22-year-old has played just 187 minutes across all competitions this season, with his last outing coming off the bench in the Copa del Rey victory over Barbastro on 4 January.

Barcelona head into Thursday's game sitting top of La Liga, despite having played one game fewer than Real Madrid, who are level on points but behind on goal difference.