Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo to miss just one game after Valencia red card

Barcelona have been handed a defensive boost ahead of the upcoming La Liga game with Real Madrid.

Ronald Araujo will be available for selection for the huge match despite getting sent off last weekend.

The Uruguayan international defender was shown a straight red card in Barca’s 1-0 win over Valencia on Sunday.

The Catalans feared Araujo would miss the next three games, including the El Clasico on March 19.

However, the RFEF Competition Committee has ruled that he will only miss a game.

As a result, Araujo will sit out of this Sunday’s game against Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona strolled to a 4-0 victory when both clubs met at Camp Nou in October.

However, they may need to be on top of their game against Ernesto Valverde’s side at San Mames.

Nevertheless, they will fancy their chances of a victory in Araujo’s absence.

Bilbao have won just two of their last 10 La Liga games and could struggle against the league leaders.

Xavi’s side have been solid defensively this term and are well-stocked in the department.

Barca have conceded eight goals in 24 games and kept 18 clean sheets this term.

They are nine points clear at the top of the table and will look to extend it to 12 when they play Madrid.

Having Araujo available could make life difficult for Los Blancos.

The South American was brilliant in his side’s 1-0 win over them in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final tie.

He kept Vinicius Junior quiet at the Santiago Bernabeu and will relish the chance to do it again.

A league win over Madrid will all but secure the title for Barca, and Araujo will be fired up ahead of the clash.