Barcelona not setting a specific date for heavyweight’s return despite positive progress | OneFootball

Earlier today, reports emerged suggesting that Barcelona captain and defender Ronald Araujo was all set to return to action for the derby against RCD Espanyol in early 2026.

The Uruguayan international is currently taking time off from the game for mental health reasons, following the criticism he faced for his sending-off against Chelsea, with Barça supporting him fully through this ordeal.

No date set, no rush

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are approaching Araujo’s situation with absolute caution. Both the club and the player have chosen not to set any concrete deadlines for his return to the pitch. The message is clear: take it day by day.

There may be an approximate idea internally, but this is not a physical injury with a clearly defined recovery timeline. Instead, it is an absence linked to mental health, an area the Barça are handling with the utmost care.

Araujo’s progress, thus far, has been positive and, if everything continues along the same lines, the plan is for him to rejoin the group after the Christmas break.

Making progress. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

In the meantime, the Uruguayan centre-back has stayed away from Barcelona in order to disconnect and focus fully on his recovery.

Last Friday, he returned from Israel and later travelled back to Uruguay, where he is expected to spend Christmas, surrounded by his closest circle.

Daily reports to club

Meanwhile, Araujo is not going through this process alone. He is working with a physical trainer who is in direct, daily contact with Barcelona.

The defender is following an individualised programme designed jointly with the club, and a daily report is sent to monitor his progress.

There is no rush at Barcelona regarding his return. The priority is for the player to recover completely and return in the best possible condition, leaving behind the mental health issues that forced him to stop after the defeat to Chelsea in late November.