Barcelona’s Araujo Returns After Mental Health Break Ahead Of Catalan Derby

‎Barcelona centre-back, Ronald Araujo, returned to training on Monday after several weeks away, with local reports attributing his absence to a mental health break.

‎The Uruguay international took part in an open training session at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. His comeback gives LaLiga leaders Barcelona a timely defensive boost ahead of this weekend’s Catalan derby.

‎Flick previously explained that Araujo was absent due to “a private situation,” shortly after the defender received criticism for the red card that sparked Barcelona’s 3-0 Champions League collapse at Chelsea.

‎His return ahead of Saturday’s derby against Espanyol is timely, with fellow centre-back Andreas Christensen set to be sidelined for several months with a knee injury.

‎The RCDE Stadium is set to host one of the most compelling Barcelona derbies in years, with fifth-placed Espanyol enjoying one of their best campaigns in recent memory after narrowly escaping relegation in 2024/25.