As <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> prepare to face Celta Vigo in a challenging <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/la-liga/">La Liga</a> clash, all eyes are on&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/hansi-flick/">Hansi Flick</a>‘s strategy&nbsp;to cope with key absences. The Catalan giants, who currently lead the league standings, face an uphill battle at the Balaidos, a venue where they have struggled in recent years. Yet, the team’s resilience will be tested further as they head into the game without one of their most influential players.



Barcelona’s season has been exceptional so far, with the team sitting six points clear of Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. However, recent history suggests that Balaidos has not been kind to them; the Blaugrana have won just one of their last three visits to Celta’s home ground. Adding to the difficulty, their opponents come into the fixture on the back of a three-match unbeaten streak, currently holding 11th place in the standings.



The stakes are high for Hansi Flick’s side. A loss to Real Sociedad in their previous league game marked the end of their impressive seven-match winning streak in all competitions. Now, with resources stretched, the Catalans must find a way to reignite their momentum.



<h2>Yamal’s absence looms large</h2>



Barcelona’s efforts are further complicated by the absence of&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a>, who is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lamine-lamal-and-barcelona-face-challenges-as-he-suffers-ankle-pain-ahead-of-celta-match/">sidelined with an ankle sprain</a>. The 17-year-old sensation has been pivotal for the Catalans, contributing&nbsp;five goals and seven assists&nbsp;in La Liga this season. In fact, the team’s only two league defeats this term—against Real Sociedad and Osasuna—came in matches the Spaniard did not start.



Speaking about the teenager, Hansi Flick acknowledged the challenge it presents: “He’s an important player for us, but we have to adapt. There are other players. Lamine can’t play tomorrow, we’ll see when he can return.”



Flick also dismissed claims that the team’s poor showing against Real Sociedad was solely due to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-lose-yamal-until-december-now-who-will-replace-him-in-hansi-flicks-squad/">Yamal’s absence</a>: “Against Real Sociedad, we didn’t play well. It had nothing to do with Lamine’s absence.” The teenager’s injury is expected to keep him out for&nbsp;two to three weeks, with the Blaugrana hoping to have him back for their clash against Las Palmas on November 30.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241122_WST_540878_Lamine-Yamal-setback-for-Barcelona-but-another-stars-positive-injury-update-brings-hope-for-Hansi-Flick-2-1200x675_0c715a6e.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-540890" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lamine-Yamal-setback-for-Barcelona-but-another-stars-positive-injury-update-brings-hope-for-Hansi-Flick-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lamine-Yamal-setback-for-Barcelona-but-another-stars-positive-injury-update-brings-hope-for-Hansi-Flick-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lamine-Yamal-setback-for-Barcelona-but-another-stars-positive-injury-update-brings-hope-for-Hansi-Flick-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lamine-Yamal-setback-for-Barcelona-but-another-stars-positive-injury-update-brings-hope-for-Hansi-Flick-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lamine-Yamal-setback-for-Barcelona-but-another-stars-positive-injury-update-brings-hope-for-Hansi-Flick-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lamine-Yamal-setback-for-Barcelona-but-another-stars-positive-injury-update-brings-hope-for-Hansi-Flick-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lamine-Yamal-setback-for-Barcelona-but-another-stars-positive-injury-update-brings-hope-for-Hansi-Flick-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lamine-Yamal-setback-for-Barcelona-but-another-stars-positive-injury-update-brings-hope-for-Hansi-Flick-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h5>Araujo set to return to training</h5>



Amid the uncertainty surrounding Barcelona’s attack, Flick delivered a positive update on another critical player:&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ronald-araujo/">Ronald Araujo</a>. The Uruguayan defender, who has been sidelined due to injury, is close to making a comeback. Flick confirmed: “Araujo could return to group training on Sunday.”



This news provides a significant boost for the Blaugrana, particularly as Araujo’s defensive solidity will be crucial in upcoming fixtures. His return, along with Andreas Christensen’s recovery, could restore stability to the Catalans’ backline.



<h2>Navigating thin squad</h2>



In addition to Yamal,&nbsp;Ferran Torres&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ansu Fati&nbsp;are also unavailable, leaving Flick with limited attacking options. While Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are expected to lead the line, the third spot in the front three remains uncertain. Fermin Lopez, who started against Real Sociedad, struggled to make an impact and may see his position reassigned.

Lamine Yamal setback for Barcelona, but another star's positive injury update brings hope for Hansi Flick

Lamine Yamal setback for Barcelona, but another star's positive injury update brings hope for Hansi Flick - World Soccer Talk

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Barcelona is reportedly open to the idea of selling star defender Ronald Araujo. The center-back is widely regarded as one of the top players in his position in all of Europe. Nevertheless, the Catalan club currently finds itself in financial trouble and will likely need to continue creating revenue this summer.



According to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39721921/barcelona-open-araujo-transfer-right-offer-sources" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN</a>, Barcelona would potentially sanction a sale of Araujo for any bid reaching around $109 million. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> was previously linked with a surprise move for the Uruguayan star, but a bid ultimately never came during the January transfer period. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">La Liga</a> side, however, does believe that the German giants will target the defender come summertime.



The 25-year-old defender signed his most recent <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> deal nearly two years ago. His current contract does not expire until June of 2026. The Spanish club added a $1.1 billion release clause in the agreement as well. Nevertheless, interested clubs do not regularly meet these astronomical release clauses.



<h2>Club currently experiencing money issues and needs extra funds</h2>



Araujo has been a mainstay in manager Xavi’s defense this season. He also featured in the starting lineup for a massive <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> clash against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Napoli</a> on Tuesday. Barcelona eventually won the match 3-1, subsequently advancing to the quarterfinals of the competition.



After the victory, Araujo answered questions about his fairly uncertain future with his current team. “My future depends on the club,” the center-back <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39721921/barcelona-open-araujo-transfer-right-offer-sources" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters. “Everyone knows that I am happy at Barca. And I am really grateful to [coach] Xavi for the faith he has placed in me.”



While Araujo wants to stay, Barcelona may sell the defender due to the aforementioned money issues. LaLiga officials <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-hit-with-financial-fair-play-violation-and-fine-20230103-WST-414235.html">previously charged</a> the team with Financial Fair Play (FFP) violations in early 2023. As a result, the reigning Spanish champions have been attempting to make additional revenue.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240313_WST_494845_Araujo-Cubarsi-1200x670_67f9cff1.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-494871" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Araujo-Cubarsi-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Araujo-Cubarsi-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Araujo-Cubarsi-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Araujo-Cubarsi.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



A large chunk of this creation of funds came during the previous summer’s transfer market. Barcelona sold several stars in 2023 such as Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, and Franck Kessie. Offloading the trio made the club around $90 million. Yet, the Spanish side is not going to stop selling players just yet. La Liga president Javier Tebas recently <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/laliga-president-says-barcelona-should-sell-key-stars-for-money-20240301-WST-492408.html">claimed</a> that the club will likely have to sell additional stars this summer to meet the division’s spending cap.



<h2>Barcelona may already have Ronald Araujo replacement in squad</h2>



Even though Araujo is a top center-back, Barcelona has an emerging star in the position. Teenage sensation Pau Cubarsí has featured heavily for Xavi’s team since entering the fray at the start of the new year. Xavi trusted the 17-year-old as Araujo’s partner in central defense against Napoli.



Along with Cubarsí, Barcelona also has other right-footed center-backs in Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen. As a result, the club is fairly covered in the position should it need to sell Araujo. Nevertheless, the Uruguayan is the most talented defender of the group. Barcelona would likely prefer to keep the star and would only potentially sell him because they need the money.



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Barcelona willing to sell Ronald Araujo in summer for huge price

Barcelona is reportedly open to the idea of selling star defender Ronald Araujo this summer. The Spanish club currently has money issues.

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Barcelona willing to sell Ronald Araujo in summer for huge price