Araujo, the team's second captain, missed the last two training sessions ahead of the fixture, joining midfielder Fermín López on the sidelines due to a separate muscle injury. While the exact nature of Araujo's issue remains undisclosed—though reports suggest it may involve a stomach bug—the absence comes at a challenging time for the 26-year-old Uruguayan, who was sent off in the first half of Barcelona's recent Champions League defeat to Chelsea. Teammates have reportedly rallied around him amid the fallout from that error, with Flick emphasizing the squad's collective support during a difficult period.
In Araujo's stead, Flick is expected to pair 17-year-old Pau Cubarsí with either Andreas Christensen or Eric García in central defense, as the Blaugrana aim to secure three points against a resilient Alavés side currently sitting 14th in the table. On a brighter note, midfielder Pedri is set for a return after a month-long absence, though he will come off the bench rather than start. Winger Raphinha could earn his first start since September, while long-term absentees Gavi and Marc-André ter Stegen remain unavailable.
Flick acknowledged the mental toll of recent setbacks, stating, "We're all feeling down," but urged focus on the task at hand: "Alavés defend very well, with passion. It will be difficult to score, but I think we’ll manage it. The important thing is to get the three points." Barcelona, who sit atop La Liga, will look to maintain their momentum despite the defensive blow.
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