Ronald Araujo returns to Barcelona training after leave of absence
Araujo has not played for Barcelona since the 3-0 Champions League loss at Chelsea on November 25, in which he was sent off 44 minutes in.
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Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo took part in full team training on Monday for the first time since being granted indefinite leave by the club.
The Athletic reported on December 1 that the Uruguay international had requested a period of absence. His representative met with Barcelona sporting director Deco to discuss the matter, with the club committed to giving him the time he needs. Head coach Hansi Flick described Araujo’s absence as a “private situation.”
Araujo has not played for Barcelona since the 3-0 Champions League loss at Chelsea on November 25, in which he was sent off 44 minutes in, missing his side’s last seven matches in all competitions.
On Monday, Barcelona held an open training session at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, which is used by the club’s reserve team and women’s side. 5,530 people were in attendance, with some fans displaying Uruguay flags. Araujo was scheduled to take part in at least part of training but completed the whole session.
The 26-year-old has appeared 15 times in all competitions for Barcelona this season.
Barca club president Joan Laporta praised Araujo in November and said that criticism directed at the defender was not fair.
“He gives his all on the pitch, he’s our captain, and now he needs to get through this difficult period because he’s a very emotional person with strong feelings,” he said at an event in Andorra.
“He’s had a tough time, and I want to tell him that we’re behind him, that he needs to turn the page because here we all win and we all lose, and no one person is responsible for defeats or victories.”
League leaders Barcelona begin 2026 with a local derby on Saturday against Espanyol, who are fifth in the table.
Before joining The Athletic as a football writer, Laia Cervelló worked at Diario Sport reporting on FC Barcelona for four years. She has also worked for another four years for BeIN SPORTS Spain and GOLTV. She began her career as a journalist at 'betevé', the public television station in Barcelona, where she spent almost nine years. Follow Laia on Twitter @Laia_Cervello