Barcelona manager confirms defensive absence for Atletico Madrid

Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick has given updates on the health of three key gamers forward of their high of the desk conflict with Atletico Madrid. Los Rojiblancos arrive at Camp Nou as the shape facet in La Liga, simply three factors behind Barcelona.

Forward of the conflict, a lot of the main target of his pre-match press convention was on photos of Flick wanting disconsolate on the Barcelona bench after a win over Alaves. When the main target shifted to Atletico, Flick mentioned he was a fan of Diego Simeone’s facet.

“We should play at our greatest in opposition to an excellent workforce. They’re among the finest groups in Europe, with nice high quality, and so they have improved with the summer season switch window. I like watching them play as a result of they’re excellent in assault… though we even have high quality and our activity is to reveal it.”

Ronald Araujo to overlook Atletico Madrid conflict

Towards Alaves, Barcelona have been with out Ronald Araujo, attributable to a abdomen bug, though Flick admitted that was not in one of the best mindset after being despatched off in opposition to Chelsea. That reamined the case. However, Raphinha didn’t full coaching on Monday, however can be match to play.

“Raphinha is prepared, however Araujo isn’t able to play but. We’ve been working with Raphinha; he solely did the rondo after which stopped. I’m assured he can play the entire match. Ronald isn’t prepared; it’s a personal matter, and I don’t wish to say extra. I’d ask you to respect their needs; that’s all I can and can say.”

On Saturday, key midfielder Pedri Gonzalez additionally returned to motion for the primary time in a month, recovering from a hamstring harm to play the ultimate half hour. Nonetheless Flick confirmed that ‘sure, he’s prepared’ to play the total match. Frenkie de Jong can be anticipated to be out there after lacking the sport in opposition to Alaves attributable to private points.

Flick on Joan Garcia – ‘He’ll give us quite a bit for years to come back’

Monday morning additionally noticed Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen return to coaching for the primary time since again surgical procedure, however Flick didn’t give a lot away on hte membership’s plans for him.

“This isn’t the time to speak about this. It’s not a time to play video games. We now have to attend and take the following steps.”

The outcomes of Gerard Martín taking part in as centre-back have been optimistic. @gbsans

— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 1, 2025

He was additionally requested if Joan Garcia was one of the best goalkeeper he had ever coached, after two match-winning saves in opposition to Alaves.

“I coached Neuer and Marc, improbable goalkeepers. Joan has an excellent future. From day one, you possibly can see his potential, and he demonstrates it in matches. He has nice high quality each along with his arms and his toes. He’s very fast. It was the best determination for the membership. He offers us quite a bit for the approaching years. He brings nice safety [to the defence].”

Garcia seems to be the de facto primary this season, with ter Stegen linked with an exit in January. The Germany worldwide should determine if he needs to battle with Garcia for the beginning spot, or search a mortgage so as to pursue the primary spot for his nationwide workforce on the 2026 World Cup.