Barcelona defender training normally ahead of Atletico clash after injury scare | OneFootball

FC Barcelona trained on Tuesday morning for the final time ahead of hosting Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Hansi Flick oversaw the session, which began at 11:40 and passed without major developments.

All available players took to the pitch, including Ronald Araujo, who is ready after the overload he suffered on Saturday, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The Uruguayan international started at right-back in the league clash against Atleti over the weekend. However, he had to be taken off in the first half after he complained of discomfort.

Tests revealed that the defender had no injury, and his substitution was only because of an overload. And it was always expected that he would be available for the Champions League encounter against the Colchoneros.

Ready and available. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Now, much to Flick’s relief, Araujo trained normally with the rest of the squad, indicating that he is ready and available to face Atletico Madrid tomorrow night at the Spotify Camp Nou.

It will be interesting to see whether the manager opts to start with the Uruguayan at right-back once again or selects Jules Kounde, who made his return from a hamstring injury in the weekend encounter.

Eric Garcia would also have been an option, but his services will be needed in midfield as Barcelona go into the game without both Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal.

The Dutch midfielder is entering the final stage of his recovery and his return to the pitch is drawing closer, but it will not come in the first leg of the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Raphinha and Andreas Christensen also remain sidelined through injuries.