Barcelona have taken decisive action regarding captain Ronald Araujo after the defender made a special request to step away from the team. The Catalan giants confirmed that the Uruguayan star has been granted an indefinite leave of absence, marking one of the most significant squad developments of the season.
Araujo steps away after private request
According to reports, Araujo’s representatives met with sporting director Deco on Monday, shortly after the defender was excluded from the matchday squad for Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Alaves. The meeting resulted in the club approving his request for a temporary break from football.
Araujo was notably absent during the crucial La Liga victory that sent Barcelona to the top of the table. His absence came just days after his red card in the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League. With the Uruguayan unavailable, Hansi Flick relied on Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi to anchor the defence in the win over Alaves.
According to The Athletic, Deco honored the defender’s wish to step away, reaffirming the club’s commitment to supporting him during this period. The request, reportedly prompted by Ronald Araujo’s concerns about his current form and mindset, reflects the player’s belief that pushing himself could negatively impact the team.
Why Araujo sought time away
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that the 28-year-old requested the break because he does not feel capable of performing at the level Barcelona requires at the moment. The report stated that Araujo feared he would “hurt” the team if he tried to force himself onto the pitch.
Although the exact reasons remain undisclosed, the concerns point toward both mental and physical fatigue following a demanding run of fixtures and a difficult week highlighted by his Champions League dismissal.
Head coach Hansi Flick addressed the situation briefly during his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Atletico Madrid. Keeping details private, he urged the media to respect the player’s situation.
“It is a private situation, I don’t want to say more. And please, if you can respect it I’d appreciate it,” Flick said.
By granting Ronald Araujo indefinite leave, Barcelona have made it clear they prioritize the well-being of their captain over short-term squad concerns.