Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has been granted an indefinite leave of absence by the club, following a tumultuous period marked by a Champions League red card against Chelsea. The decision comes after discussions between the Uruguayan defender's representatives and Barcelona sporting director Deco on Monday.
Araujo's recent dismissal in the Champions League match against Chelsea has been a major talking point. The defender received a second yellow card in the 44th minute for a foul on Marc Cucurella, leaving Barcelona to play the majority of the match with ten men and ultimately succumb to a 3-0 defeat. This sending off adds to Araujo's history of disciplinary issues in crucial matches, leading to increased criticism from fans and analysts.
The 26-year-old was also absent from Barcelona's squad that secured a 3-1 La Liga victory over Alaves on Saturday. Initially, his absence was attributed to a "stomach virus" by manager Hansi Flick. However, it has since emerged that Araujo requested the leave to address personal issues and recover mentally from the pressure and criticism he has been facing.
According to reports, Araujo felt he could not perform at his best and feared he would hurt the team if he continued to play in his current state. The club has shown support for Araujo's decision, with Barcelona chief Deco granting his request to step away from football to recover. Manager Hansi Flick has also asked for privacy and respect for the player's situation, stating, "It is a private situation, I don't want to say more. And please, if you can respect it I'd appreciate it".
Despite the challenges, Araujo remains a highly valued member of the Barcelona squad. He has featured in 15 matches across all competitions for the Blaugrana this season. Club President Joan Laporta and coach Hansi Flick have publicly backed Araújo, highlighting his commitment and passionate nature. Laporta defended Araujo against what he sees as unfair criticism, while Flick has expressed optimism for the team's future.
The timing of Araujo's leave presents a challenge for Barcelona, especially with a match against Atlético Madrid. In Araujo's absence, left-back Gerard Martin had to step into the centre of defence alongside youngster Pau Cubarsi during the Alaves match.
The club has not set a date for Araujo's return, emphasizing the importance of allowing him the time he needs to fully recover. Barcelona hopes that this period of absence will allow Araujo to regain his best form and continue to be a key player for the team.
