Barcelona defensive stalwart could return from injury by December or January – report

At no point so far this season has Hansi Flick had a fully fit Barcelona squad, for players like Gavi and Frenkie de Jong carried forward injuries from last season while others like Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati faced setbacks before the season began.

While the midfield duo are closer to a return than ever, the same cannot be said about the Uruguayan centre-back who suffered a hamstring injury on duty with his national team against Brazil.

Araujo immediately underwent surgery in Finland under Lasse Lempainen and the club did not specify any exact duration out. SPORT now provide an update on his situation and his progress so far.

Steadily making progress

Araujo returned to Barcelona after completing the first phase of his recovery in Montevideo on 13th September and is now continuing his treatment in Catalonia.

As revealed by the Spanish outlet, he still has a long way to go but is finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

If his recovery progresses at the rate that it is, the club believe that Araujo can return as early as December or January.

Given that the player is in good spirits and working to no end, there is a good chance he meets the deadline.

Barcelona are in no hurry over his situation and have set no date for his return because everything depends on his sensations and ability to tolerate increased workloads.

Moreover, the likes of Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi are doing well in covering the void in central defence.

Araujo will thus not be rushed or forced back onto the field before he feels 100% and the club are sure that there is no risk of a relapse. Flick, however, will hope that the player is back for the second half of the season at least.