Fans have reacted to the inclusion of centre-back Ronald Araujo in Barcelona’s starting lineup for Tuesday’s (February 3) Copa del Rey quarter-final in Albaceste. The 26-year-old is playing in his first cup match of the season.

It’s been an injury-plagued season for Araujo, missing multiple games with a hamstring injury and struggling with mental health and competition for Hansi Flick’s side.

He played six minutes in the 3-1 La Liga win over Elche at the weekend. Araujo Already given the green light to start at Estadio Carlos Belmonte. However, fans are not convinced that Araujo should be in the starting XI as the Uruguayan has only made 19 appearances in competition this season (10 starts).

“Araujo proved to us that you have changed,” one wrote.

“What’s the reason for Araujo starting?” asked another.

“The good news is that Cubas got a much-needed rest. The bad news is that Araujo plays football,” one commented.

Another wrote: “Neither Rafinha nor Araujo started, which reminds me of Chelsea’s experience.”

Araujo scored twice this season, both in La Liga, with Barcelona leading in second place real Madrid a little. But he will provide stability at the back as Barcelona seek to successfully defend their title.

‘A lot of times you get surprising results’ – Barcelona coach Hansi Flick on cup games

barcelona Previewing the Copa del Rey quarter-finals in Albacete, head coach Hansi Flick stressed the importance of not underestimating your opponents in the cup.

Flick, who secured a domestic treble in his first season in Spanish football, is on track to repeat the feat, winning the Spanish Super Cup and leading the La Liga table.

“That’s exactly what I like about this cup,” Flick said ahead of the Albacete game (per Barcelona’s website).

“A lot of times you get surprising results. We always analyze our opponents. We have to adapt to their style, their pitch and go out on the pitch with the right attitude and mentality. We have to be 100 percent focused.”

The Reds and Blues have won their next four games since losing 2-1 to Real Sociedad in La Liga last month and have won 15 of their last 16 games since losing 3-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League last November.

“We played well against Elche on Saturday and I’m happy, but we still need to improve small details,” Flick said. “It’s not about perfection, it’s about getting better. We’ve improved a lot since the Chelsea game.”

After the Albacete game, Barcelona will return to La Liga at the weekend to face royal mallorca Saturday (February 7) at home.