Barcelona to take a day-by-day approach with returning defender ahead of derby, Super Cup | OneFootball

Following the mid-season break, FC Barcelona resumed training on Monday with an open training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

The session was especially significant for Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan defender had been going through a difficult period and had not played or trained with the team after the defeat to Chelsea.

Having gone through some very tough days, he, together with his representatives, decided to meet with the club to ask for time off for mental health reasons. And Barcelona granted him a leave of absence without any hesitation.

Full cooperation

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona intend to take things day by day as far as Araujo’s reintegration into the team is concerned, despite important matches coming up against RCD Espanyol and Athletic Club (Spanish Super Cup).

From the outset, the defender has found complete understanding and cooperation from Barcelona, which made the situation easier to manage.

He spent around three weeks away from the daily routine of the club, but without neglecting his physical condition. He followed the guidelines provided by the club’s fitness coaches and physiotherapists.

Back in training. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

During this period, the second captain took the opportunity to make a spiritual trip to Israel. He then spent almost two weeks in Uruguay, also with the club’s permission, with his family.

At the weekend, he decided that he felt ready to return to training, coinciding with the squad’s return to work in the open session.

Positive signs

The reality is that Araujo felt very good during Monday’s session, after 35 days without training alongside his teammates.

It was a short and not very intense first session, ideal for gradually readjusting. He appeared especially grateful to the supporters, who chanted his name several times and showed him clear affection, something that proved key in giving him extra energy on his return.

The key now is not to put pressure on himself or rush his return to competition, although he has not been ruled out for the derby this Saturday in Cornella.

The idea is to take things day by day, guided by sensations, and this is the message he has passed on to the coaching staff, who are also not applying any pressure.