FC Barcelona faces the LaLiga match against Osasuna with an eye on both the opponent and the physical condition of its squad. After the demanding effort in the Champions League and with a schedule that offers no respite, the coaching staff led by Hansi Flick is working to reach the break with the utmost guarantees and minimize risks.
Beyond the long-term injuries, the medical staff's concern focuses on players carrying discomfort derived from wear and tear. These types of situations, common in stretches of high competitive demand, require careful planning to avoid bigger problems.
Flick adjusts plan before the final stretch of the year
Hansi Flick is aware that the month of December could define the course of the season. With several commitments ahead and two demanding away games before the end of 2025, the German coach has begun to introduce adjustments to the rotation.
The objective is twofold: to maintain the team's competitive level and, at the same time, protect key players from potential relapses that could compromise their availability in January
Barça has opted for training sessions with controlled loads, specific gym work, and individualized monitoring for those players who have accumulated more minutes in recent weeks.
Barça's starting eleven against Osasuna, conditioned
The physical condition of some footballers influences the starting eleven against Osasuna. Flick is considering making specific changes to distribute effort, especially in positions where fatigue has been greater. The presence or absence of certain players will not solely depend on tactical criteria, but also on medical parameters.
The match against Osasuna represents a new test of balance between competitiveness and prudence. Barça needs to earn points in LaLiga, but without compromising the immediate future of its squad. In an increasingly compressed schedule, the medical report becomes a key piece of the Blaugrana machinery.
This is Barça's infirmary: physical status by lines and players
FC Barcelona faces the match against Osasuna with most of the squad available. After Marc-André ter Stegen's return following more than four months out due to back surgery, the club currently has only three confirmed absences.
Defense
On the defensive line, the main focus remains on Ronald Araujo, who remains outside the competitive dynamic while managing his personal recovery process. His situation affects defensive planning and necessitates extreme management of minutes among the available center-backs
On the other hand, the return of Ter Stegen is a key reinforcement in goal, allowing the German coach to recover a fundamental piece after a long absence.Minute management remains a priority in defense, especially after the accumulated effort in recent weeks, but there are no confirmed absences in this line
Midfield
The midfield will be without the confirmed absence of Pablo Gavi, who continues with his recovery process after the operation on his right meniscus suffered at the end of September
The club maintains a stance of maximum caution with the midfielder, prioritizing a full recovery before his return to competitive dynamics.
Attack
On the offensive line, the only confirmed absence is that of Dani Olmo. The attacker will be out for about a month after suffering a dislocation in his left shoulder, which occurred just after scoring a goal against Atlético de Madrid.
The rest of the players from Fútbol Club Barcelona are available, although the coaching staff is closely monitoring physical loads to avoid relapses in an especially demanding end-of-year schedule.