FC Barcelona faces a captaincy dilemma for their much-anticipated return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou against Athletic Club, with several regular captains unavailable due to injury, suspension, or fitness concerns.
Ahead of their highly anticipated return to the Spotify Camp Nou against Athletic Club, FC Barcelona is facing a captaincy crisis as Hansi Flick must select a temporary leader with four of the five appointed captains unavailable.
According to a report from Sempre Barca, FC Barcelona’s return to the Spotify Camp Nou to welcome Athletic Club is marked by a significant “captaincy puzzle.”
The club is returning home after spending the last couple of seasons at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where the “whole experience felt lifeless.”
The club’s normal hierarchy is unavailable. First captain Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is still recovering from surgery, third captain Frenkie de Jong misses the match “through suspension,” fourth captain Raphinha is returning from a two-month lay-off, and fifth captain Pedri is currently injured.
This places the spotlight on second captain Ronald Araujo. However, following a “long trip back from South America,” Coach Hansi Flick “might decide that it is not the wisest option to start him,” especially with a crucial Stamford Bridge trip just days away.
Should Araujo not start, the “easiest option” is veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. The 37-year-old has spent “three and a half seasons at the club” and is a calm figure of leadership.
Other candidates include the 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, the “emotional one,” and the “left-field choice” Ferran Torres, who has worn the armband in a pre-season friendly.