Barcelona had a tough time during their visit to London for their Champions League match against Chelsea. The Spanish champions were humbled by the World champions.
However, they did return to winning ways the following game when they defeated Alaves 3-1. But there was one player missing in that game, and he will now be out indefinitely.
According to The Athletic, Barcelona have given Ronald Araujo time off with no set return date to focus on his mental well-being after it started impacting how he plays lately.
While dealing with personal challenges, the defender needs space, so the club is backing him by giving him time off.
Instead of pushing through, they have chosen to support Araujo. Even athletes face quiet battles, which don’t show up in stats or match reports.
The move follows closely after his expensive red card versus Chelsea in the Champions League, when the Uruguayan tackled Marc Cucurella despite having a prior booking.
That red card forced the Baugrana to fight an uphill task in a game they would go on to lose 3–0.
Araujo has played 15 matches so far this season. When he missed the Alaves game, the manager said it was because of a stomach issue.
But now manager Hansi Flick admitted the defender’s actually been handling personal matters, adding that he isn’t feeling fully strong in mind or spirit right now.
Flick asked for privacy ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash, saying:
“Ronald is not ready at the moment. It is a private situation. I do not want to say more.”
Barcelona also put out a statement backing Araujo, as he tries to recover from the mental problem he is facing at the moment.
Araujo moved to Barcelona back in 2018. Since then, he has played 190 times. But now he’s stepping aside just as things heat up.
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