Barça's Delayed Comeback: Araujo Returns to Training Under Tight Conditions

Return to Training Under Special Conditions

Ronald Araujo will return to train with Barcelona today, Monday, at the fan-open training session at the Joan Gamper training ground.

But according to AS, the final date for Araujo's return to official matches remains unclear, as the player and club set conditions related to his complete readiness before an official appearance.

It noted that this return doesn't mean he's fully ready to play; he still needs to go through additional stages to reach the pace of his teammates.

Ready Physically and Psychologically

Beyond 100% physical readiness, Araujo must ensure his mental readiness for the crucial stage of the season.

Hansi Flick, the coach, needs Araujo's services as soon as possible, especially since Andreas Christensen's absence has complicated central defense, but the German coach and the club have given the player full freedom to decide his return timing, believing that the personal aspect is the priority.

The Uruguayan defender believes now is the time to take another step by joining his teammates for Monday's training, also to thank the fans who have flooded him with messages of support in recent weeks after learning about his difficult personal period.

Araujo had continued individual training in recent weeks in Barcelona and also in Uruguay at the national federation facilities during the Christmas holidays.

This comeback comes after more than a month since the player paused to focus on his mental health, following his sending off at Stamford Bridge on November 25 in the match Chelsea won 3-0.

Punchline 1: If patience were a sport, Barça would be champions of waiting.

Punchline 2: Araujo's return is so anticipated that even the calendar seems to pause for a sign of relief.