Espanyol vs. Barcelona: Pau Cubarsi injury update provided after training-ground scare

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that Pau Cubarsi is available for Thursday's La Liga clash with Espanyol.

The centre-back was forced off with a stomach issue against Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday afternoon, and he then suffered an injury scare in training on Wednesday during a challenge with Robert Lewandowski.

However, Flick, speaking during his pre-match press conference, has confirmed that the Spain international is available for the clash against Espanyol, which could see Barcelona win the title.

"He's fine. He has finished training after the knock and tomorrow he can play," said the Barcelona head coach.

Inigo Martinez will not be available, though, with the Spain international out through suspension.

Eric Garcia will again be required at right-back due to Jules Kounde's absence, meaning that either Ronald Araujo or Andreas Christensen will feature alongside Cubarsi in the middle against Espanyol.

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Cubarsi declared fit for La Liga clash with Espanyol

Araujo has faced criticism of late due to some underwhelming performances, and it was Christensen rather than the Uruguayan who was introduced to replace Cubarsi in last weekend's 4-3 win over Real Madrid.

Christensen could now be given the nod from the first whistle against Espanyol on Thursday night.

"Eric and Andreas can both play as centre-backs. Christensen is training very well and when he plays he helps us a lot," said Flick.

"I don't like what happened with Araujo, I like to defend my players and we all make mistakes, these are things that happen. It's all about respect again, we've talked about it and he's fine."

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Flick expecting stern test from an "improved" Espanyol

Barcelona will be crowned as La Liga champions for the 2024-25 campaign if Real Madrid do not beat Mallorca on Wednesday night, but otherwise the title can be secured in the Catalan derby.

Flick, though, is not expecting a straightforward match against an Espanyol side that have had a strong 2025 to move themselves away from the relegation zone.

"It's a derby and Espanyol have had a great second half of the season. They have key new players and with them, they have improved a lot. They have a very clear style of play and we will have to be very focused," said the manager.

Barcelona could end the 2024-25 campaign with three major trophies, having already won the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey, but the Catalan outfit fell just short in the Champions League, losing in the semi-finals to Inter Milan.