Monday, January 10, 2022 at 5:46 PM• Jeroen van Poppel • Last update: 17:49

Xavi has instructed his medical staff to do everything possible for Ronald Araújo’s speedy recovery. The Barcelona coach desperately needs the 22-year-old Uruguayan in the semi-final of the Supercopa, against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Xavi sees Araújo as ‘his only defender who can stop Vinicius Júnior’. ASH.

Araújo broke two bones in his right hand five days ago in the Copa del Rey match against Linares and had surgery on it last Friday. The mandekker has actually not yet been declared fit by the medical staff, but was taken to Saudi Arabia, subject to reservation, where el Clásico is on the program on Wednesday evening.

Xavi is willing to take risks with Araújo, who should really take a two-week rest period. The South American will wear a splint on his right hand and must be careful not to lean on that hand when falling. Xavi’s idea is for Araújo to become Vinicius’ shadow, not letting him breathe, and turning his match into a nightmare. Xavi uses the example of his former teammate Carles Puyol, who managed to stop Luís Figo in the Camp Nou years ago.

Frenkie de Jong is also ready for his return, you know ASH. The 24-year-old midfielder has almost recovered from a muscle injury and was also included in the match selection subject to certain conditions. The sports newspaper expects Xavi to opt for a strengthened midfield, consisting of De Jong, Sergio Busquets, Nico González and Gavi. Ansu Fati has also recovered. It is expected that the left winger will be calmly brought in and will fill in.