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Ronald Araujo Returns to Training, Targets Jan. 3 Barcelona Derby for Squad Comeback

Barcelona granted the defender an open-ended mental-health leave following his sending-off against Chelsea.

Overview

  • The Uruguay international trained on Wednesday after an indefinite absence, according to Yahoo Sports.
  • Marca and Sport report he is aiming to be in the matchday squad for the Catalan derby at Espanyol on January 3.
  • He is set for four sessions before Barcelona’s final 2025 game against Villarreal, then a short break and roughly a week of team preparation ahead of the derby.
  • Araujo requested time off to reset his mental health following a red card against Chelsea and heavy criticism, which led to him missing the Alavés match.
  • Football España reports he made a religious pilgrimage to Israel during his leave and plans to spend the holidays in Uruguay, with individual work and a gradual reintegration possible as he rebuilds fitness.