Ronald Araujo aiming to return for Barcelona against Espanyol

The defender has made plans for the future.

Ronald Araujo is reportedly targeting a return for Barcelona at the start of January 2026 after taking a temporary leave of absence.

The Uruguay international was granted some time away from football by the club in the wake of his red card against Chelsea in the Champions League.

Araujo has since travelled to Israel in search of some spiritual guidance to help him recover after being hit hard psychologically by the sending off.

Reports in Marca and Diario Sport say that Araujo is now aiming to return in Barcelona’s first fixture of 2026 against Espanyol in La Liga.

The Uruguay international is hoping to be available for the match as Barca kick off the New Year with a local derby at the RCDE Stadium.

Araujo is expected to spend the Christmas break in Uruguay with his family but is scheduled to return to training on December 29th with the rest of his Barcelona team-mates.

Category: General Sports