Barcelona Targets Ronald Araujo's Comeback for Crucial La Liga Showdown—Report

Barcelona center-back Ronald Araujo is reportedly targeting a comeback to Hansi Flick's squad before year-end, hoping to be ready for the Catalan derby scheduled for Saturday, January 3.

The Uruguay international was given time off to focus on his mental wellbeing at the beginning of December. Both Barcelona and Hansi Flick, who described the situation as "personal," publicly backed Araujo without setting a specific comeback timeline for the defender.

This decision followed intense criticism the 26-year-old received for his display against Chelsea in Champions League action. Araujo received a red card in the opening half of the crushing 3-0 loss, leaving his teammates virtually defenseless against the London club.

Now, almost a month has passed, and AS reports the defender is targeting a training return on December 29. If all goes smoothly, Araujo could be prepared for the brief journey to RCDE Stadium and potentially start against Espanyol just three days into 2026.

The team captain spent his football hiatus in Israel, participating in a spiritual retreat to support his healing process. MARCA indicates that Araujo will spend Christmas in Uruguay before returning to Spain.

Araujo's Expected Return Provides Barcelona Significant Defensive Reinforcement

Despite facing criticism for his variable performances, Araujo remains a crucial component of Flick's backline following Iñigo Martínez's exit. The German manager currently has only the Uruguayan, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García and Andreas Christensen available for central defensive duties.

Natural left-back Gerard Martín has been forced to play alongside Cubarsí during Araujo's absence, an arrangement that isn't viable long-term for Barcelona's Spanish championship campaign. The Catalans are missing a genuine leader and physical presence in defense without their skipper.

However, even with Araujo's anticipated return, Flick's main objective remains securing defensive reinforcement, whether in the January window or before the 2026-27 campaign. Recent speculation suggests the club is monitoring Aston Villa defender Pau Torres closely.

Until Barcelona can complete a signing for a left-footed center-back like Torres, they must continue depending on players such as Araujo and Cubarsí in central defense.