Ronald Araújo Takes Time Off for Mental Health Recovery

Barcelona has granted defender Ronald Araújo a break as he addresses mental health issues that have impacted his performance this season, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The 26-year-old has made 15 appearances for FC Barcelona across all competitions this season, with his last match culminating in a red card during last week’s 3-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea.

Following that match, Araújo missed the weekend’s 3-1 victory against Alavés, at which point the club reported he was suffering from a stomach bug.

However, in the lead-up to Tuesday’s LaLiga match against Atlético Madrid, Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick revealed that the Uruguayan international is currently dealing with personal issues.

A source clarified to ESPN that while Araújo has been physically fit this season, he has not been mentally at his best for some time and has requested a leave of absence from the club for recovery.

The source aimed to clarify the situation to prevent any misinterpretation of Flick’s comments made earlier on Monday.

“Ronald is not ready at the moment,” the German coach stated during a press conference.

“It’s a private situation. I prefer not to elaborate. I ask for respect regarding this matter. That is all I can and want to say.”

Araújo joined Barcelona in 2018, initially playing for the B team before moving up to the first team.

He has since made 190 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 12 goals, and has become a key figure in the team’s leadership alongside Marc-André ter Stegen, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri.