Barcelona defender returns to training in top shape despite arduous trip back after international duty | OneFootball

Crossing the Atlantic comes with an extra burden of effort and fatigue for South American footballers playing in Europe during the international break.

At Barcelona, Ronald Araujo and Raphinha already know that representing their national teams means dealing with an immense load of airports, kilometres, fatigue and jet lag.

This time, however, matters were even more complicated. They finished the international break with one playing in El Alto (Bolivia) and the other in Santiago de Chile – two remote points in South America.

Araujo’s return ordeal

That meant a serious logistical challenge in order to return to Barcelona. In Araujo’s case, for example, it was 24 uninterrupted hours of flights, connections and transfers, according to SPORT.

Despite this, the defender returned to training in top shape after arriving in Catalonia, preparing for the Blaugrana’s next La Liga game vs Valencia.

Araujo in action for Uruguay against Chile. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images)

Araujo’s travel ordeals came after he played the full 90 minutes against Chile in the 0-0 draw achieved by Uruguay.

The defender performed well and led the defence in the result that sealed Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Barcelona captain is approaching the tournament with great enthusiasm after being unable to participate in Qatar.

Upon landing in Barcelona, and still carrying the fatigue of the journey, the Uruguayan went almost directly from the airport to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to train with Sunday’s game in mind.

Araujo wants to be ready for Hansi Flick ahead of the Barcelona vs Valencia match, which will finally be played at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

The centre-back has returned in good shape from the international break and still has two more sessions to prepare for that first home fixture of the season and to show Flick that he is ready to be one of the pillars in defence against Valencia.