Barcelona heavyweight informs Hansi Flick he is not ready to return yet

With the mid-season break getting over, FC Barcelona saw defensive heavyweight Ronald Araujo resume training with the rest of the group this past Monday, after being out for a month.

The Uruguayan international had taken time off since late November, having been dealing with mental health issues since the UCL defeat to Chelsea, where he was sent off in the first half.

There was no set deadline for his comeback, but Araujo, after switching off for a few weeks, resumed working normally with the group in the week leading up to the Catalan derby against RCD Espanyol.

Still not ready

Despite his comeback to training, according to Mundo Deportivo, Araujo is still not ready to return to playing for Barcelona and has informed the same to Hansi Flick.

The second captain has completed as many as five training sessions this week, and the general feelings surrounding his situation have been largely positive.

Not ready to return yet. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

However, as per the report, the Uruguayan international still does not feel prepared to make his comeback on the field for the Blaugrana as he continues to work on his mental well-being.

As such, his involvement in today’s derby against RCD Espanyol had already been ruled out, while his presence for the trip to Saudi Arabia, for the Spanish Super Cup, remains uncertain.

A decision will be made based on how Araujo is feeling in the coming days.

Barcelona remain fully supportive of their star defender through this period and have no intention of rushing him back.

Given the situation, it is understandable that Barcelona wish to sign a new defender in the current transfer window, considering Andreas Christensen is also out for an extended period through injury.