The coach expressed satisfaction with how his players responded in training following Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Chelsea in the Champions League as Barca step up their pursuit of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid, who hold a one-point advantage.
"He (Pedri) will get some playing time, but won’t start. If possible, he will come on during the second half. We’ll see," Flick told reporters about Pedri.
"(Araujo) is suffering from a stomach virus and will be out today and tomorrow."
Flick was pleased by the return of winger Raphinha, who has appeared twice as a substitute in the second half after nearly two months sidelined with a hamstring injury, as Barcelona aim to move past the injury problems that troubled them until last month.
"I missed him (Raphinha). I consider him one of our team’s key players... he also has the hunger and determination to prove his quality," the German coach said.
"I really value what I see in training. We are focused and have a lot of quality. And of course, with players returning now, Pedri is back... Raphinha, Marcus (Rashford) recovering from his illness. We almost have the whole squad available."
Flick, a former Bayern Munich midfielder, also addressed the visible frustration shown by right winger Lamine Yamal during the Chelsea defeat, after the 18-year-old was substituted at Stamford Bridge.
"I was a player too and sometimes I didn’t show the right reaction. But in the end... it’s emotion," Flick explained.
"Lamine’s next step is to demonstrate that this match is behind him. Forget it. Alaves is what matters now and he must perform at his best.
"We are all disappointed after losing to Chelsea. It was tough... but it’s over. Now we look ahead with optimism for the upcoming game before the year ends."
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