Pau Cubarsí still sidelined two days before Barcelona vs Osasuna in LaLiga
With just two days left before the match between FC Barcelona and Osasuna at Montjuïc, the availability of Pau Cubarsí for the squad remains uncertain. The 18-year-old central defender suffered a strain in the anterior tibiofibular ligament of his right ankle on March 20, during the Spain National Team match against Netherlands. The injury forced him to leave the camp and return to Barcelona, where he has been following a conservative treatment plan.
Pau Cubarsí's Condition
Although medical tests ruled out a serious injury, Cubarsí has been working individually in recent training sessions and hasn't rejoined the group yet. Coach Hansi Flick doesn't want to risk his physical condition, so Wednesday's training will be crucial in deciding if the center-back will be available for the match against the Navarrese side.
Defensive Issues for Barcelona
The situation in Barcelona's defense is complicated, as Andreas Christensen is still out, Íñigo Martínez is recovering from knee discomfort, and Ronald Araujo is still with the Uruguayan National Team. In this context, Flick has called up young Alexis Olmedo, a center-back from FC Barcelona Atlètic, who has been training with the first team for the second consecutive day and could be an option if Cubarsí isn't ready in time.
The uncertainty around the availability of the Girona-born defender adds to the team's defensive problems, which have also been affected by the absence of some internationals during the international break. The final decision about his participation will be made during the last session before the match, but it seems likely that Barcelona will not rush his return to avoid greater risks.
Osasuna will visit the Estadio Olímpico de Montjuïc with the aim of picking up points in a season where they are fighting to move closer to the European spots. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona hopes to sort out their defensive issues and finalize their starting eleven, while waiting to see if Pau Cubarsí can recover in time for the match.
