Ronald Araujo back in Barcelona squad after month off to protect mental health

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·6 January 2026

Ronald Araujo back in Barcelona squad after month off to protect mental health

Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has been named in the squad for Wednesday’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Bilbao in Jeddah at 20:00, ending a month-long absence taken to protect his mental health.

According to L'Équipe, the 26-year-old centre-back returned to training in late December and is now back with the group.

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The Uruguay international has not played since 25 November, when he was sent off against Chelsea in the Champions League and Barcelona lost 3-0. Feeling unwell, he then asked to step away from the squad to recover psychologically.

He could rejoin the rotation as Andreas Christensen faces several months out with a serious injury to his left knee.

Barcelona are without Gavi, but Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are all included. Atlético meet Real Madrid in Thursday’s other semi-final, with the final scheduled for Sunday.

Source: L'Équipe