Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is back in training after a personal absence, boosting the squad’s defence ahead of the clash with Espanyol.
BARCELONA defender Ronald Araujo returned to training with the first team on Monday.
The Uruguayan centre-back had been absent for several weeks for what manager Hansi Flick had described as a private situation.
Local media had reported the absence was related to the player’s mental wellbeing.
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Araujo’s return was observed during an open-door session at the club’s Johan Cruyff Stadium training ground.
His comeback is a timely boost for the Liga leaders ahead of Saturday’s Catalan derby away at Espanyol.
Fellow central defender Andreas Christensen is expected to be sidelined for several months with a knee injury.
Araujo had faced criticism after a red card in Barcelona’s 3-0 Champions League defeat at Chelsea.
The upcoming derby at the RCDE Stadium is one of the most anticipated in recent seasons.
Espanyol, in fifth place, are enjoying a strong campaign after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. – AFP
