Ronald Araujo wants to force his way back for PSG game
The Uruguayan has an injured ankle but is desperate to feature if he can
Ronald Araujo and FC Barcelona staff are thinking about the possibility of him returning to face PSG on Feb 16, at Camp Nou. It will be a last minute decision based on how his ankle feels, but the player wants to play if he can.
The 2-0 defeat by Sevilla in the Copa del Rey exposed Barcelona’s weaknesses. Samuel Umtiti made two errors which leave Barca on the verge of elimination in the cup.
Gerard Pique is is injured, so Umtiti will likely have to play again in the Champions League unless Araujo returns or Koeman picks Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza.
Lenglet is in bad form and Mingueza is needed at right back with Dest and Sergi Roberto injured.
Araujo, who turns 22 on March 7, has been excellent this season, one of Barca’s most promising players and also best performing right now.
Koeman does not like to force his players back quickly from injury but is conscious of the importance of the PSG first leg.
Araujo will play if he is at least at the minimum acceptable condition to feature. His physical prowess and youth invite optimism, but the medics will need to check everything is fine.
