Flick ready to hand Barcelona defender surprise start against Girona after Atletico collapse

Barcelona are set to shake up their back line for Sunday’s Catalan derby at Girona, and the most eye-catching change could see Ronald Araujo parachuted straight into the starting XI alongside teenage prodigy Pau Cubarsi. The move, first reported by SPORT, comes less than a week after the Blaugrana were dismantled 3-0 by Atlético Madrid, a result that has forced Hansi Flick to prioritise defensive stability.

Araujo’s potential promotion is rooted in both necessity and merit. Introduced in the 75th minute against Atlético with the contest already lost, the Uruguayan still managed to impose himself, winning aerial duels and driving into midfield with the ball at his feet. That brief cameo followed a more telling 90 minutes in the Copa del Rey against Albacete, a fixture that doubled as his first start in over two months after stepping away to address a mental-health issue.

Since resuming full training, the 25-year-old has reportedly hit performance metrics that remind staff of his pre-absence peak. Flick, who has publicly highlighted Araujo’s unique blend of pace, power and one-v-one dominance, now believes the derby is an ideal platform to re-launch his captain. Pairing Araujo with the 17-year-old Cubarsi would give Barcelona a physically imposing left-side axis, while allowing Eric Garcia to slide to right-back in place of the suspended Jules Koundé.

The coaching staff’s long-term plan is to re-integrate Araujo gradually, building match minutes ahead of a congested schedule that includes pivotal Liga and European fixtures. Against a Girona side that presses relentlessly and attacks in numbers, his ability to neutralise transitions and dominate set-piece duels could prove decisive.

Kick-off at Montilivi is scheduled for 21:00 CET.