The tense prospect of player absences gives the eagerly awaited match between Barcelona and Osasuna, which is scheduled for March 27, an interesting twist.  After this match was rescheduled from its original March 8 date, Barcelona finds itself in a difficult position.  The decision by the authorities has sparked controversy, especially considering that it could leave the Catalan giants without two of their critical players: Raphinha and Ronald Araujo.

In the days preceding the Barcelona-Osasuna match, both players are anticipated to be on international duty.  The Brazilian national team has selected Raphinha for their pivotal World Cup qualifying matches against Argentina on March 26 and Colombia on March 22.

He might not have enough recuperation time to return to Camp Nou in top form because those games are just before the Barcelona game.

The rules governing South American qualifying stipulate that players are suspended after receiving two yellow cards, which heightens the drama.  Raphinha is presently on caution after serving one ban due to accrued cards.  He will be suspended from the Argentina match if he receives another yellow card during the match against Colombia, giving him the opportunity to get back to Barcelona in time for the league fixture.

Raphinha has been booked against Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in three of his eight qualifying matches.  He might be eligible to play against Osasuna if he receives a yellow card against Colombia, which would prevent him from playing against Argentina.  The question still stands, though: will he deliberately try to get that card, or will he let the game determine his course?  His dedication to his club and national team is put to the test in this situation.

Ronald Araujo finds himself in a similar predicament to Raphinha.  If the Uruguayan defender, who is already on suspension warning, is carded in Uruguay’s March 23 match against Argentina, he may choose to return early.  He would have plenty of time to be ready for the match against Osasuna if he were to miss the next match against Bolivia on March 25.

 Due to an injury he acquired during the Copa America last summer, Araujo has only played in four qualifications this cycle; his last card was against Brazil on November 17, 2023.  He would be barred from the following game but allowed to return early to Barcelona’s training if he were to receive another booking.

The stakes are high as March 27 draws near, and Raphinha and Araujo’s choices might affect not only whether they play in the crucial game against Osasuna but also the dynamics of the Barcelona team in the closing games of the season.