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Ronald Araujo Returns to Training, Rules Himself Out of Espanyol Derby

Hansi Flick says he will only play when he feels ready under a structured return plan with medical oversight.

Overview

  • The Barcelona vice-captain resumed group training this week after roughly five weeks away for mental health following his red card at Chelsea.
  • He has completed around five sessions and has informed Flick he does not feel ready to play, ruling him out of Saturday’s Catalan derby.
  • Flick said Araujo is not yet 100% physically and will be given time to regain match fitness, noting strong support from teammates.
  • His participation in the upcoming Spanish Super Cup remains undecided, with his status to be assessed in the coming days.
  • Barcelona are weighing defensive reinforcements in January given Araujo’s uncertainty and Andreas Christensen’s long-term injury, according to reporting.