Hansi Flick Pushes for Ronald Araujo's Inclusion for Dortmund Trip
Barcelona's head coach, Hansi Flick, has made the bold decision to include Ronald Araujo in the squad traveling to Dortmund despite the defender not yet receiving full medical clearance.
Hansi Flick, the head coach of Barcelona, has decided to include key defender Ronald Araújo in the squad for the critical UEFA Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund. This decision comes despite Araújo not having received complete medical clearance, reflecting Flick's urgency to address recent defensive vulnerabilities.
Barcelona has struggled with their defensive structure in recent matches, achieving only one win in their last five games. The current backline, featuring Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, and Alejandro Balde, has shown attacking promise but lacks defensive cohesion. The absence of a commanding figure like Araujo has been palpable, with the team conceding critical goals under pressure.
Flick is optimistic that Araujo, who has been training with the squad for the past two weeks following a four-month injury recovery, can provide the much-needed stability. Despite medical professionals advising caution, Araújo's presence is deemed crucial for this high-stakes match in Dortmund.
This calculated risk underlines Flick's commitment to turning around Barcelona's form and advancing confidently in the Champions League. Araújo’s inclusion also signals the importance of integrating key players as quickly as possible to address glaring issues in defense.