From absence to return: Ronald Araújo’s recovery journey

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Radio Gol

·28 December 2025

From absence to return: Ronald Araújo’s recovery journey

In early December 2025, Ronald Araújo informed FC Barcelona that he does not feel capable of performing at the highest emotional level, despite being physically recovered from his previous injuries.

Reasons: The player is experiencing anxiety and overwhelm, which intensified after stressful sporting events, such as his sending off in European competitions (specifically against Chelsea in November 2025) and the criticism he received on social media.
Actions taken: The club accepted his request for an indefinite leave of absence. During this time, the center-back made a spiritual trip to Jerusalem and has been training on his own in Uruguay during the end-of-year holidays.

Date of return to the pitch

Although no deadlines were initially set, the most recent reports from late December 2025 indicate the following:

OneFootball Videos

Return to training: Araújo is expected to rejoin the first team’s activities this Monday, December 29, 2025.

Possible return to play: The goal is for him to be available for the Barcelona derby against RCD Espanyol, scheduled for January 3, 2026.

Coach Hansi Flick has requested respect for the player’s privacy, emphasizing that the definitive return will depend on the footballer himself feeling 100% mentally prepared to compete.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.