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The National Times - Barcelona's Araujo returns to training after weeks out

Barcelona's Araujo returns to training after weeks out

SPORTS 29.12.2025
Barcelona's Araujo returns to training after weeks out
Barcelona's Araujo returns to training after weeks out / Photo: © AFP

Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo returned to training on Monday after weeks away for what local media said was a mental health break, boosting the Liga leaders' defensive options before this weekend's Catalan derby.

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The Uruguay international emerged with his teammates and manager Hansi Flick during an open-door training session at the club's Johan Cruyff Stadium, an AFP journalist saw.

Flick had said Araujo was unavailable for "a private situation", days after the defender faced criticism for a red card that precipitated Barcelona's collapse to a 3-0 Champions League defeat at Chelsea.

His return to action before Saturday's derby at Espanyol comes with fellow centre-back Andreas Christensen expected to miss several months due to a knee injury.

The RCDE Stadium is poised to host one of the most intriguing Barcelona derbies in recent times, as fifth-place Espanyol enjoy one of their best seasons in living memory after narrowly avoiding relegation in 2024/25.

D.Kelly--TNT

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