Hansi Flick: 'Raphinha and Araujo won't be in the squad'

La Liga returns and so does Hansi Flick. The German coach appeared to be unhappy with the date of the rearranged fixture between Barça and Osasuna but also admitted, "the squad has enough quality to overcome anyone despite some players missing," in his pre game press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva. 

A win the best reply 

Barça's coach resigned himself to accepting the new date for the game against the club from Pamplona even though the timing does his squad no favours at all. The coach will not have all his fit players available for the game, and of those who are up for selection, several have barely trained since coming back from international duty. 

Despite the obstacles, the coach was clear: the objective is to win. "We have a good team and training over the last few days has been positive. We have to fight for the three points. A win would be the best reply," said Flick. 

Raphinha and Araujo ruled out, Eric and Iñigo to start

With regards to player availability, Flick put an end to speculation when he confirmed that both Raphinha and Araujo would not be in the squad for Barça v Osasuna on Thursday at the Estadi Olímpic given their participation in recent World Cup qualifiers in South America. "They are coming back via a long journey and it's not the best recovery," reasoned the coach. 

With Araujo unavailable, Flick revealed some details of the XI v Osasuna. "Iñigo and Eric will play and Cubarsí will be on the bench," said Flick, adding that the place amongst the substitutes for the teenager defender was, "best for him to rest a few days but if we need him, he could come on."