Ronald Araujo Takes a Break from Barcelona for Health Reasons

Ronald Araujo, the Barcelona defender, was not part of the squad during Saturday's 3-1 victory over Alaves in La Liga. Manager Hansi Flick mentioned a "stomach virus" as the reason for his absence.

His last match was during a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League, where he received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Cucurella just before halftime.

According to reports from The Athletic, Barcelona's sporting director Deco met with Araujo’s agents on Monday and provided him with time away from the sport. The club has shown unwavering support for Araujo during this period, highlighting their commitment to respecting his privacy.

When inquired about Araujo’s situation, Flick remarked, "It's a private matter, and I prefer not to comment further. I would appreciate it if you respect this as well." No additional comments from Barcelona were made after normal business hours.

Barcelona, currently at the top of the La Liga standings, is set to face fourth-placed Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on Tuesday. They hope to deliver a strong performance in Araujo’s absence while maintaining their championship lead.