Barcelona are continuing to tread carefully with Ronald Araujo, with Hansi Flick determined to reintroduce the defender only when the conditions are fully right.
In fact, according to SPORT, Flick is resisting any temptation to rush Araujo back into the starting XI, despite encouraging signs.
The outlet mentions that while Barcelona face Copenhagen in the Champions League, that fixture is not expected to mark Araujo’s return from the start.
Internally, the club see the Copa del Rey tie against Albacete as a more realistic scenario for the Uruguayan to begin a match again, with the league game against Elche also being monitored as a possible step in the process.
Careful planning
It has been nearly a month since Araujo resumed full training with the group, and his progress has been described as consistently positive.
Notably, the centre-back had been dealing with sensitive mental health issues, and the club made a clear decision early on not to impose deadlines or expectations.
Araujo’s time away was viewed as a period of personal reset, which was a necessary pause to regain focus, balance, and confidence.
Ronald Araujo could start against Albacete. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)
Since returning, his response has reinforced the belief that patience was the correct path. The defender has gradually been reintroduced to competitive football, with each appearance carefully planned.
Eventual return
His first taste of action came in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia against Real Madrid, where he featured late on.
That process continued in the Champions League away to Slavia Prague, where he played the final quarter of an hour.
Again, the focus was not on immediate impact but on building rhythm and confidence.
For now, Flick remains non-committal. There is no fixed date for Araujo’s full return, only a framework built around caution and long-term stability.
Barcelona believe that a fully ready Araujo will be far more valuable than a rushed comeback, even if that means waiting a little longer to see him reclaim his place in the starting lineup.
