Barcelona breathe easy as Pau Cubarsi set to return ahead of Osasuna clash

Medical staff confirmed that Cubarsi has suffered only a minor strain to the anterior tibiofibular ligament in his right ankle.

The 18-year-old will follow a conservative treatment plan, and Barcelona have not ruled him out of their upcoming match against Osasuna on 27 March.

Cubarsi picked up the injury during Spain's first clash with the Netherlands last Thursday. He limped off in the first half after a challenge from Memphis Depay and returned to Barcelona on Friday.

Tests conducted at the club's training ground on Saturday ruled out any serious damage. Both the player, manager Hansi Flick, and the Barcelona hierarchy are feeling much more relaxed about the situation.

Spain's medical team had initially suggested the ankle issue didn't look severe, but they opted to release Cubarsi from international duty ahead of their second meeting with the Netherlands on Sunday.

The Spanish FA agreed to Barcelona's request for the player to return early and undergo further assessment with his club. "He'll follow a conservative recovery plan, and we'll reassess his tolerance for activity in 48 hours," read a statement from the Catalan giants.

Barcelona are quietly optimistic about Cubarsi's availability, especially with their defensive options looking thin for the Osasuna fixture. Andreas Christensen is already confirmed out, Inigo Martinez is highly doubtful, and Ronald Araujo's involvement seems unlikely as he'll return from Uruguay duty with little time to recover.

Cubarsi, who has five senior caps for Spain, has become a mainstay in Barcelona's backline this season.

The teenage star, widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in world football, has missed just one game for Barcelona this term, a Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Benfica due to suspension. Across 42 appearances, Pau Cubarsí has notched one goal and three assists, underlining his importance to the Blaugrana cause.

READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino vows to turn USA fortunes around before 2026 World Cup