Barcelona’s preparations for another decisive week in La Liga come at a time when the squad is juggling both pressure and opportunity.
Results across the division have tightened the race near the top, leaving little room for error as every point becomes crucial heading into December.
Several clubs are starting to rediscover form, forcing Barcelona to match that intensity both technically and mentally in each fixture.
With Champions League commitments also looming, rotation has become essential, increasing the need for experienced leaders to steady the team in high-stakes games.
As anticipation builds ahead of Tuesday’s clash, the spotlight has intensified on how Hansi Flick will manage his resources in a demanding run of fixtures.
Barcelona now turn their attention to Atletico Madrid, with the team seeking momentum after their win over Deportivo Alaves.
Three points would help consolidate their resurgence, though Diego Simeone’s side arrive in strong form and with renewed confidence after a solid month of performances.
For Barcelona, the encouraging news is the expected return of Frenkie de Jong and possibly Pedri to the starting XI, while Raphinha’s brilliant display at the weekend strengthens his case for another start.
The major worry, however, surrounds Ronald Araujo.
As initially communicated by the club, Ronald Araujo was ruled out of the Alaves match due to a stomach virus.
However, AS reports that the real situation extends far beyond a simple illness.
The defender has not returned to training, with sources indicating he is struggling mentally following the costly red card at Stamford Bridge, an incident that has weighed heavily on him.
The setback has reportedly hit him harder than his previous errors against PSG and Inter Milan, moments that also carried significant consequences for the team.
Barcelona’s coaching staff are said to prefer giving Araujo the time he needs to recover both physically and mentally, rather than pushing him into immediate action.
As a result, he is fully expected to miss the Atletico Madrid fixture and instead return at the weekend against Real Betis once he has reset.
Flick relied on Gerard Martin to partner at centre-back against Alaves, but Tuesday’s encounter is likely to see Eric Garcia restored to central defence with Jules Kounde moving to right-back.
This reshuffle places added responsibility on a backline already under scrutiny, making the absence of their captain all the more significant.
With Atletico posing a clear threat and Barcelona needing stability, the pressure now falls on the remaining defenders to rise to the occasion and ensure the team maintains its upward trajectory in a crucial part of the season.
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