FC Barcelona faces Espanyol this Saturday in Cornellà (9:00 PM CEST) and will do so with the return of Dani Olmo to the squad. Hansi Flick confirmed the medical clearance for the Terrassa-born player one month after the shoulder dislocation he suffered against Atlético de Madrid in the rearranged matchday 19 fixture (3-1).

"Dani is back, he's not afraid of one-on-one situations. He has taken an important step," Flick began saying at the press conference prior to the matchday 18 duel. Furthermore, the manager assured that Lamine Yamal will also be available, as the '10' has returned to training after missing Thursday's session due to a muscular discomfort.

Ronald Araujo will not be available against Espanyol

The one from Mataró, barring a surprise, will be a starter, while the attacking midfielder is heading for the bench. Who will have to wait a few more days to return is Ronald Araujo. The 'charrúa' trained all week at the Ciutat Esportiva, but still needs to gain more playing time to regain competitive rhythm after a month on the sidelines

"**Physically he's not at one hundred percent. He has to decide.** He has spoken with the rest of his teammates, who support him. He's back and he's important to us. **He will take the time he needs**," said the Barça coach about the Uruguayan. In principle, the '4' will travel with the squad to the Spanish Super Cup next week. We will have to wait and see if he manages to get some minutes in Arabia.

Praise and respect for Espanyol ahead of a "heated derby"

Regarding the match, Hansi Flick did not hesitate to praise Espanyol, a team that is in good form, after five consecutive wins in the league and a meritorious fifth place. "It's aggressive, it transitions well... and in our case, we will pay attention to these aspects. We must play at our best level," warned the German.In this regard, Flick revealed the key to intelligent pressing and hurting the opponent. "The most important thing is to support your team and not go against the other. You have to send positive energy to your own, focus on your own and not on the opponent."

Regarding the hostile atmosphere awaiting his Barça in Cornellà, the Blaugrana coach appeared calm about managing the pressure factor. "We have to live together. Respect is the most important thing and I hope everyone behaves appropriately".

"This year they have confidence, they play well, they are in a good position... they exert good pressure. But we have to stay calm and play the best football"

Extra pressure for Joan García against his former team

Regarding Joan García and what it means to face his former team, Flick believes the player from Sallent "is in a great moment" and will be able to demonstrate all his quality in what was his stadium until six months ago."I see him focused. He has played very well this past half-year here, he has shown that signing him was the right decision. I am not worried at all. He is our number 1," he pointed out about the Catalan goalkeeper, undisputed starter despite the return of Ter Stegen.

Flick reiterates the need to sign another center-back in winter

Finally, Hansi Flick once again referred to the absence of Andreas Christensen and the possibility of signing another center-back in the winter market. The Barcelona coach understands that, without the Dane, the defense is clearly incomplete. However, although he understands the need to bring in another defender, there is not yet a player identified as a possible reinforcement.

"If we look at our last line, I think we need one more player. But it's not easy to bring someone in this market. We'll have to see... I think we'll do something, but it has to make sense"