Barcelona captain returns to first-team pre-season training ahead of the new season | OneFootball

Ronald Araujo is back with FC Barcelona as Hansi Flick’s squad continues preparations for the 2026-27 season, giving the coach another important defensive option to assess during preseason.

According to SPORT, the Uruguayan reported back on Monday after previously visiting the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to evaluate the injury that kept him out of the World Cup. He is the first of Barca’s World Cup players to return to the club environment.

Araujo initially worked in the gym and will gradually increase his workload after joining a squad that already has eight training sessions behind it. The injury that prevented him from featuring for Uruguay is now considered to be behind him.

His return comes at an important moment in his Barcelona career. After a difficult previous season, Araujo was eventually able to return to competition but struggled to regain a major role during the decisive part of the campaign.

Araujo faces a major battle for his place

The 27-year-old now enters preseason determined to convince Flick that he deserves a more prominent position in the team.

Competition will be significant. Barcelona currently have Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin and Alvaro Cortes among their centre-back options, while Araujo’s ability to play at right-back gives Flick another possibility.

The German coach is also expected to hold talks with Araujo and other members of the squad to clarify where they stand heading into the new campaign.

That conversation could be particularly important for the Uruguayan. His physical qualities remain exceptional, but Barca’s defensive structure demands more than individual strength. Building confidence in possession and showing he can consistently fit Flick’s tactical ideas could determine his role.

For Barcelona, having a fully focused and physically prepared Araujo would still be a major asset. At his best, few defenders can match his power, recovery speed and ability in individual duels.

Nothing should be guaranteed, however. Flick has consistently placed performance above reputation, and Araujo returns knowing he must earn his place again.

Preseason therefore represents a fresh opportunity. The captain is back, his injury appears to be behind him, and now the battle to reclaim an important role at Barcelona begins.