Barcelona refuse to play postponed Osasuna match unless two key stars are available | OneFootball

Barcelona are still facing uncertainty over the scheduling of their postponed match against Osasuna, with discussions ongoing about finding a suitable date.

In that regard, Mundo Deportivo reports that both La Liga and the RFEF have put forward March 27 as a possible option, which would be immediately after the international break.

However, Barcelona are not entirely convinced by this proposal—not due to scheduling conflicts, but because of the potential impact on their squad.

Scheduling is one part of it

If the match were to be played on March 27, Barcelona’s La Liga fixture against Girona on March 30 at Montjuïc would need to be pushed back from 16:15 to 21:00 to allow sufficient recovery time.

Even with this adjustment, the team would have just three days before facing Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals on April 2.

The major concern for Barcelona is the availability of their key international players, as many would only return on March 25.

Return of key players

Barcelona will not play without Ronald Araujo. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The biggest issue revolves around Raphinha and Ronald Araujo, whose return schedules are particularly tight.

Brazil will play against Argentina on March 26, making it nearly impossible for Raphinha to be fully rested in time for the Osasuna clash.

Meanwhile, Araujo will be with Uruguay, who have a match on March 25, leaving little time for recovery. Given these circumstances, Barcelona are unwilling to proceed with the fixture if they are missing key players.

Alternative dates

The alternative date Barcelona are pushing for is May 21, which falls just before the final matchday of La Liga.

However, Osasuna are not in favour of this arrangement, as it would mean playing in the final stretch of the season when a lot could be at stake.

Other options exist but depend on Barcelona’s progress in the Copa del Rey. If they fail to qualify for the semifinals, the match could be scheduled for April 29 or 30, or possibly May 6 or 7, during what would have been the return leg of the semifinals.

The final decision remains pending, with all parties weighing the best possible outcome.