Prior to the match against Elche, a Barcelona defender misses training.

 

After the end of the international break, FC Barcelona completed preparatory training ahead of their next league game against Elche CF.

According to Diario SPORT, Xavi Hernandez had the luxury of having all the players, including players who were out for the international break, available, with the exception of Ronald Araujo.

The centre-back was not part of the training, which raises questions about his availability against Elche.

The Uruguayan international had picked up a knock during the game against Real Madrid earlier in the month. He had to wear an ice pack late in the game, with Barcelona subsequently confirming his injury.

While no timeline was given, it is thought Araujo would be available for the second leg Copa Del Rey semifinal game against the same opposition.

Araujo is one of two players, along with Frenkie de Jong, who still have a chance of making it to the squad ahead of this crucial Copa Del Rey semifinal. The defender, in fact, is likely to return to action, whereas de Jong remains a doubt.

Meanwhile, both Pedri and Andreas Christensen have been ruled out of the tie, along with Ousmane Dembele, whose recovery has been slower than anticipated, though the player has worked exceptionally hard.

Christensen’s absence will be a major blow for Barcelona defensively, so it will be imperative that Araujo is in contention to feature against Madrid. The Uruguayan is likely to form the back four alongside the likes of Marcos Alonso and Jules Kounde.

Heading into this game with a 1-0 advance, a clean sheet will be enough for Barcelona to secure a berth in the Copa Del Rey final.