Barcelona midfield starlet could replace club captain in lineup vs Osasuna – report | OneFootball

Barcelona were far from pleased when the RFEF and La Liga announced their postponed match against Osasuna will take place this Thursday, March 27.

The Blaugrana, facing a gruelling schedule ahead, are at the risk of going into the match without two key players – Ronald Araujo and Raphinha – as they will return late after international commitments in South America.

But with their appeal to change the date getting knocked back, Hansi Flick has already started preparing for the crucial clash against Osasuna as Barça players returned to training today.

Concerns for Barcelona

Concerns regarding the defensive unit might be easing up, thanks to Inigo Martinez’s return to training today and Pau Cubarsi’s potential comeback tomorrow.

However, Flick also has some worries in the attacking unit. Lamine Yamal has just completed two demanding matches with Spain, including extra time on Sunday. Robert Lewandowski plays for Poland on Monday and will not arrive in Barcelona until Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Raphinha is set to feature for Brazil against Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday (CET), meaning he will not return home until late on Wednesday.

Fermin in for Raphinha?

Fermin could replace Raphinha vs Osasuna. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

As such, SPORT reports that Given the timing of Raphinha’s return, it is highly unlikely that he will be able to start against Osasuna. This would open the door for Fermin Lopez, who had lost prominence in the team before the international break.

The young midfielder played for Spain’s U-21 team against the Czech Republic last week but was released from the squad for the second match against Germany on Tuesday, thanks to negotiations between Barcelona and the RFEF.

In fact, Fermin was able to train with the Barça players today at the Ciutat Esportiva under Flick’s guidance.

Fermin has made 29 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring five goals and providing five assists. However, he has started only once in the team’s last eight matches – against Las Palmas, where he was substituted at half-time for Dani Olmo.

Primarily a central attacking midfielder, Flick has used Fermin as a left winger in six matches this season. With Raphinha unlikely to start against Osasuna, the youngster is in line to occupy the left-wing position.