Barcelona unlikely to risk La Masia gem vs Osasuna after injury scare | OneFootball

Barcelona are sweating over the availability of several players for their rescheduled La Liga fixture against CA Osasuna on March 27, right after the ongoing international break.

As things stand, it is pretty much certain that Ronald Araujo and Raphinha will be unavailable for the contest as they will only have returned from South America after international assignments and will not be ready in time.

In addition, the likes of Fermin Lopez, Pablo Torre, and Gerard Martin will be in action for Spain Under-21 in Germany two days before the game.

Pau Cubarsi unlikely to be risked

Adding to Barcelona’s headache, key defender Pau Cubarsi suffered an ankle injury during Spain’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg against the Netherlands on Thursday night.

The condition is nothing serious and as reported earlier today, the 18-year-old centre-back is fit and fine and could continue with the Spain camp for the weekend.

Cubarsi likely to be rested vs Osasuna. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

However, AS reports that given Barcelona’s congested fixture schedule, they are unlikely to risk Cubarsi against Osasuna on March 27.

Cubarsi is expected to undergo further medical tests once he returns to the club, which will determine the extent of his injury.

But, as things stand, the Blaugrana are expected to rest him against Osasuna, allowing him time to recover given that some important fixtures against the likes of Girona and Atletico Madrid will be on the horizon in the days after.

Cubarsi has already played 42 games across all competitions this season, establishing himself as a permanent fixture in defence, ahead of Ronald Araujo. The 18-year-old has also scored a goal and contributed three assists.

Given the busy schedule ahead, it would make sense for the Blaugrana to provide ample time for the youngster to rest and recuperate.