Ronald Araujo continues training with squad while assessing match readiness | OneFootball

Although he was not suffering from an injury or any other physical problem, defender Ronald Araujo was one of the players who remained unavailable for FC Barcelona in the last few weeks.

The Uruguayan defender has been on a leave of absence following the red card he got in the game against Chelsea, and was working on his mental recovery during this period.

Araujo rejoined group training on December 29 and has already completed four sessions, including both the last session of 2025 and the first of 2026. He has been keeping pace with his teammates in all exercises and received a warm welcome from Barcelona fans during his return.

Before coming back to the Ciutat Esportiva, he spent time in Uruguay working with a personal fitness coach while following the club’s guidelines.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Ronald Araujo has not set a specific timeline for returning to competitive matches.

His decision will involve discussions with coach Hansi Flick, doctor Ricard Pruna, Deco, and the mental health expert supporting him.

No one at the club is rushing his return, ensuring Araujo can fully recover and regain confidence before stepping back onto the pitch.

It will be worth following Flick’s press conference today ahead of the derby against Espanyol, where the coach may provide insights on Araujo’s potential return. For now, the club is prioritizing the players’ well-being while preparing for future fixtures.