Barcelona are looking to confirm the second position in the league table as they take on Rayo Vallecano on tomorrow.
It is a must-win game for an under-fire Xavi Hernandez, who is facing the heat after openly talking about the club’s economic situation.
Coming on the back of a 2-0 win over Almeria, Xavi has been dealt with a rare positive heading into the Rayo Vallecano encounter.
Ronald Araujo returns to contention
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Ronald Araujo has returned to training and was part of the team’s last training session on Saturday before the team takes on Rayo Vallecano.
Araujo was not able to make the squad for the Almeria game, stoking fears that he may have already played his final game for Barcelona.
Ronald Araujo will be hoping to start vs Rayo Vallecano (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
However, as things stand, Araujo is in contention to feature against Rayo Vallecano tomorrow evening, though it appears he hasn’t completely recovered.
During training, Araujo was seen with a cumbersome bandage on his right knee, hinting that he might still be dealing with pain.
Gundogan to return as well
Apart from Araujo, another Barcelona star returning to contention against Rayo Vallecano is Ilkay Gundogan.
The German had to serve a one-match suspension against Almeria in midweek due to the accumulation of yellow cards. He should start against Rayo Vallecano tomorrow.
Gundogan, who has been selected in La Liga’s Team of the Season, will play a crucial role in helping Barcelona to dominate possession as they take on a tricky Rayo Vallecano side.
In the midst of the uncertain climate in regards to Xavi’s future, Barça will have one clear goal in mind – finish the league in the best way possible and secure the second place in the league table, which will give them a direct entry to next season’s Spanish Super Cup.
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-boosted-by-the-return-of-star-defender-ahead-of-rayo-vallecano-clash/
Author : Connell Edgar-Jones
Publish date : 2024-05-18 11:05:28
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