Key Takeaways:
- Ronald Araujo was granted an indefinite period of absence by Barcelona after a request from the player and discussions involving his representative and club officials on Monday
- The centre-back has featured in 15 matches across all competitions for Hansi Flick’s side this season, but missed Saturday’s 3-1 league victory at home against Alaves following his red card in last week’s Champions League defeat at Chelsea
- Barcelona are scheduled to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday while holding a one-point advantage over Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga and leading Atletico by three points
Background to Araujo’s Leave of Absence
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has been permitted an indefinite leave of absence by the club, following a formal request for time away. The 26-year-old Uruguay international, who typically plays at centre-back but is also capable on the right flank, last featured during the Champions League fixture at Chelsea, which ended in disappointment after he was dismissed in the 44th minute.
❤️🩹 Hansi Flick: “Ronald Araujo can’t play and he’s experiencing a private problem… please, respect him”. pic.twitter.com/pqUoVKDram
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 1, 2025
Recent Match Involvement and Club Support
Araujo has accumulated 15 appearances across all competitions during the current campaign under the stewardship of Hansi Flick. He was not included in the Barcelona squad for Saturday’s 3-1 home victory over Alaves. According to reports, Araujo’s representative met with the sporting director Deco on Monday to deliberate the situation, with the club subsequently granting him time away.
Official Comments from Club Leadership
Barca manager Hansi Flick addressed the media on Monday, stating, “It is a private situation, I don’t want to say more,” and added, “And please, if you can respect it I’d appreciate it.” His words echoed earlier support voiced by Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Friday. During an event held in Andorra, Laporta remarked, “He has been heavily criticised, and I don’t think that’s fair,” further expressing steadfast faith in the defender’s commitment and leadership. Laporta continued, “He gives his all on the pitch, he’s our captain, and now he needs to get through this difficult period because he’s a very emotional person with strong feelings. He’s had a tough time, and I want to tell him that we’re behind him, that he needs to turn the page because here we all win and we all lose, and no one person is responsible for defeats or victories.”
Araujo’s Career at Barcelona and Upcoming Fixtures
Since joining Barcelona from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2018, Araujo has amassed 190 first-team appearances. The Blaugrana now turn their focus to the next fixture as they host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. They currently lead La Liga by a single point over arch-rivals Real Madrid and are three points ahead of fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
| Player | Current Status | 2025-26 Appearances | Last Match Played | Barcelona Career Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald Araujo | On indefinite leave | 15 | Chelsea (Champions League, sent off in the 44th minute) | 190 |
