Barcelona Star Returns to Training But Faces Major Restriction

Barcelona center-back Ronald Araujo returned to the team for Monday's public training session after spending December away from the club due to personal matters.

Following his red card in the 3–0 loss to Chelsea, Araujo requested time off and was permitted to step away from the team. He utilized this period for a spiritual journey to Israel and time in his native Uruguay.

Earlier reports indicated Araujo was scheduled to return to training on Dec. 29, and the 26-year-old adhered to that timeline by participating in Monday's session.

While initial reports suggested Araujo would return to match action in Barcelona's opening 2026 fixture against Espanyol on Jan. 3, AS reports that no official decision has been finalized yet.

Beyond assessing his physical condition, Barcelona wants to ensure Araujo has adequate time for psychological preparation before returning to public scrutiny. Team management has granted him full authority over his comeback timeline.

Araujo's Comeback Influences Barcelona's Transfer Strategy

Following Araujo's approved absence, Barcelona indicated they were willing to let this situation influence their January transfer strategy. The center-back position has been problematic for coach Hansi Flick since Iñigo Martínez's unexpected exit during the summer, and Araujo's absence intensified pressure on Flick's limited defensive options.

With Araujo now rejoining the squad, Barcelona will wait for confirmation of his official return date before determining if they require a temporary replacement for the Uruguayan defender.

Regrettably for Barcelona, the period without Araujo saw their center-back depth further depleted when Andreas Christensen sustained a partial ACL injury. Though less severe than a complete tear, the Danish player will likely face approximately four months of recovery.

Team executives are already considering signing a new center-back in January irrespective of Araujo's situation, but they will evaluate whether two new defenders are needed during the winter transfer period.

Any January acquisitions are anticipated to be temporary solutions, with Manchester City's Nathan Ake and Chelsea's Axel Disasi being discussed as potential targets.