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Barcelona Rule Out Araujo for Atlético Trip as Reports Point to Indefinite Mental-Health Leave

Flick asked for privacy after reports of an agent-led request for an open-ended break to help the defender recover mentally.

Overview

  • Manager Hansi Flick said Ronald Araujo is not ready to play and confirmed he will miss Tuesday’s match against Atlético Madrid.
  • Araujo has not featured since his red card in last week’s Champions League loss to Chelsea, which drew heavy criticism.
  • His agents met sporting director Deco, and multiple outlets report they requested time off for him to recover psychologically.
  • Those reports say Barcelona agreed to the request without setting a return date, though the club has offered no official timeline.
  • The club first cited a stomach virus for his weekend absence, and president Joan Laporta publicly voiced support for the player.