Barcelona's Ronald Araujo Sidelined: The Real Reason He's Missing the Atletico Madrid Showdown
Barcelona welcome Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night as they aim to maintain their La Liga leadership position after seizing the summit from Real Madrid during the weekend.
Hansi Flick's team have secured four consecutive league victories to surpass Real Madrid, who have failed to collect maximum points in their previous three encounters. Barcelona bounced back impressively following their disappointing Champions League defeat to Chelsea, overcoming Alavés 3–1 to complete their climb to the top of Spain's premier division.
Most criticism after the Stamford Bridge disaster was directed at central defender Ronald Araújo. The Catalan club's captain for that evening received his marching orders before the interval, adding yet another poor display to his record in crucial matches for Barcelona.
The Uruguay international was omitted from the weekend squad against Alavés following the immediate fallout from the Chelsea encounter. Three days on, he remains unavailable for Flick as Diego Simeone's team arrives at Camp Nou.
Why Ronald Araujo Will Miss Atletico Madrid Visit
Araújo will be absent for his second straight fixture after Barcelona provided him time away to handle personal matters concerning his mental wellbeing.
The organization initially explained that his unavailability for the Alavés match was caused by a gastric illness. Current reports indicate that the 26-year-old and his representatives requested Barcelona for compassionate leave to focus on his personal circumstances.
Flick was questioned about Araújo's circumstances before the Atleti encounter. The German coach delivered a concise yet meaningful comment regarding his deputy captain.
"Ronald is not prepared right now," Flick stated. "It's a personal matter and I prefer not to elaborate further and please respect this. That's all I can share and wish to share."
Barcelona issued a declaration stating, "He has our complete backing. The whole club, colleagues and staff stand with him and we anticipate his return," according to BBC.
When Will Ronald Araújo Return for Barcelona?
No definitive schedule exists for Araújo's comeback. Considering the sensitive nature of the situation, the Uruguayan received unlimited time away to make a complete recovery, according to MARCA.
Araújo remains in good physical condition, so his field return will hinge on when he feels mentally prepared to rejoin his teammates.
Flick, sporting director Deco and club president Joan Laporta have publicly endorsed Araújo since his dismissal against Chelsea and Barcelona have provided the defender with unwavering support throughout this challenging period.
Additionally, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso shared his perspective on the matter when questioned about it before los Blancos's match against Athletic Club.
"Most importantly, you must honor the emotions and requirements of players," Alonso commented. "They aren't robots, they're human beings. In any environment, there are significant pressures and obligations. If they determined that [Araújo's absence] benefits the young man, then it makes perfect sense to me."