Barcelona are reportedly looking at having Ronald Araujo back in the squad before the end of the year so he can be available for the Catalan derby on Saturday, Jan. 3.
Araujo was granted a leave of absence to prioritize his mental health at the start of December. Barcelona and Hansi Flick, who called the matter a “private situation,” publicly showed their support for Araujo and never stated a return date for the center back.
However, latest report from AS claim the defender is eyeing a return to training on Dec. 29. Barring any setbacks, Araujo would be ready to make the short trip to RCDE Stadium and be in contention to start against Espanyol.
Ronald Araujo during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
Araujo spent his time away from football in Israel, where he underwent a spiritual retreat to aid in his recovery. According to MARCA, the Uruguayan will celebrate Christmas in his country before he travels back to Spain.
His return will serve as a huge boost for Hansi Flick who currently has only Pau Cubarsí, Eric García and Andreas Christensen to deploy in central defense.
Natural left back Gerard Martín has had to log minutes alongside Cubarsí in the absence of Araujo, a system that is not sustainable in the long run for Barcelona’s Spanish title defense.
