Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has been granted indefinite leave from football, a week after his sending-off in the 3-0 Champions League loss to Chelsea, according to Spanish reports.
The 26-year-old Uruguay international has been given time off to focus on mental health challenges that have affected his performances this season. Araujo has featured 15 times for Barca across all competitions, with his latest appearance ending in a second yellow card before half-time for a sliding tackle on Marc Cucurella at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona initially said Araujo missed the weekend LaLiga win over Alaves due to a stomach bug, but head coach Hansi Flick revealed that the defender has been dealing with private personal issues. Reports suggest that since the Chelsea match, and even beforehand, Araujo has felt «not at his best mentally and psychologically.»
«Ronald is not ready at the moment,» Flick said ahead of Barcelona’s league clash with Atletico Madrid. «It’s a private situation. I don’t want to say more. Please also respect it. This is what I can say and what I want to say.»
Barca president Joan Laporta has also voiced support, emphasising the defender’s dedication and emotional nature.
«He has been heavily criticised, and I don’t think that’s fair,» Laporta said. «He gives his all on the pitch, he’s our captain, and now he needs to get through this difficult period. We’re behind him, and no one person is responsible for defeats or victories.»
Araujo has made 190 first-team appearances for Barcelona since joining from Uruguayan side Boston River in 2018.
Barcelona go into Tuesday’s match one point clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, and three points ahead of fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
