Date set for return of Ronald Araujo to Barcelona action | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo returned to training on Wednesday this week, after taking a leave of absence. The Uruguayan defender has a target in mind to return to the pitch.

After a sending off against Chelsea earlier this month, and heavy subsequent criticism, Araujo missed their weekend clash against Alaves that weekend. The 26-year-old then requested a leave of absence to reset his mental health, and was granted an indefinite period off by the club.

Ronald Araujo’s return to Barcelona action

After returning to training on Wednesday, Marca and Sport both say that Araujo has set a date to target his return to the matchday squad. That will be the Catalan derby on the 3rd of January, when Barcelona travel to face neighbours Espanyol in their first game after the winter break.

Image via Alex Caparros/Getty Images

The Blaugrana will play their final game of 2025 against Villarreal on Sunday, meaning he will have four training sessions under his belt before the Barcelona squad break for around a week. Hansi Flick’s side will then be back in training to prepare for that match for around a week too, although Araujo may decide to continue training individually as he gets back into shape.