Barcelona captain Ronald Araújo takes indefinite leave | OneFootball

Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo, captain of Barcelona, has requested an indefinite leave from the club to recover mentally after a demanding season.

The decision comes after Araújo was sent off in the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea last Tuesday. He met with the Barcelona board on Monday, asking for time away from the squad, which was promptly granted.

The player has recently received public support from club president Joan Laporta. “He has been heavily criticised, but I don’t think that’s fair,” Laporta said. “He gives his all on the pitch, he’s our captain, and now he needs to overcome this moment. He’s a very emotional person with feelings, and he’s feeling down. I wanted him to know that we are with him.”

Barcelona will provide all the psychological support he needs, with no set deadline for his return. This season, the 28-year-old has featured in 15 matches, scoring twice.

The defender missed Saturday’s 3-1 La Liga home win over Alavés. Coach Hansi Flick described the situation as personal and asked for respect and discretion from the media.

Barcelona, currently top of the La Liga table, will next face Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.