Barcelona may keep Araujo due to injury problems, says Flick

Hansi Flick says Barcelona could decide to keep Ronald Araujo at the club, with Inigo Martinez set for a month on the sidelines through injury.

Araujo made his first appearance of the season in Barcelona’s 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Barbastro earlier this month, after recovering from a serious hamstring injury, and came off the bench to replace Martinez in Sunday’s Supercopa de Espana victory against Real Madrid.

The Uruguayan came on in the 28th minute and contested the most aerial duels (five), while also making three clearances, the second-best total among Barcelona players.

Martinez’s injury is expected to keep him out for around four weeks, and while Araujo has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus, this could see him remain at Barcelona.

“He [Araujo] is a Barcelona player and nothing changes. We are not happy with the injury of Inigo, who is a leader,” Flick told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey home clash with Real Betis.

“But we already saw Araujo against Madrid. He is a fantastic centre-back, strong, one of the best and a leader.”

Medical News | Tests conducted this morning confirmed that I. Martínez has suffered a right hamstring tear. He is expected to be out for around 4 weeks. pic.twitter.com/g2y5ICuYNG

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 14, 2025

Another player rumoured to be on the way out of the club is forward Ansu Fati, who has struggled with injuries and form since returning this season from a loan spell at Brighton, making just seven appearances in all competitions.

“When I arrived at Barca, I said that Ansu was doing very well and that he was working very hard, but the problems after his first injury, they have meant that he has never been able to show 100%. It’s a shame,” Flick added.

“When we arrived we were convinced that he could return, but, for the moment, he will have to work, like everyone else, to return and offer his best version.”

Barcelona lifted the Supercopa de Espana after a thumping 5-2 win over Madrid, despite going down to 10 men after Wojciech Szczesny’s red card.

Flick wants his team to show that same spirit when they face Betis, a side which held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw in the league last month. The Blaugrana have, however, lost two of their last six home games against Betis in all competitions (W4), as many defeats as in their previous 22 such games.

“I don’t like to exaggerate about anything. For the Catalans it was a great victory, everyone could see it,” Flick said.

“It’s a huge thing to win with that score, and we should be proud. That’s great, but in the end, the important thing is to show it every day.

“It’s only worth showing it tomorrow, playing with the same attitude and approach. Betis are a great team, and we have to show every day that we want to be the best team.”