Barcelona star set for December return as injury woes near end – report

Key Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is making steady progress in his recovery from injury and is expected to return to action in December, reports SPORT. 

The Uruguayan centre-back has been sidelined since early July and has not played a single match for Barcelona this season. However, his recovery is progressing well and his rehabilitation is in its final stages. 

In that regard, the next few days will be crucial in determining when he can return to full team training. 

The player, along with the coaching staff and medical team, will make the final decision about when he is ready to rejoin the group and start working towards making his comeback on the pitch. 

While Araujo’s return won’t be in time for Barcelona’s match against Celta Vigo, it is now looking likely that he will be back in action during December. His return could coincide with the crucial fixtures against Mallorca and Real Betis later that month.

Araujo will need to earn his place

Ronald Araujo is likely to return in December. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

It is no secret that Araujo has earned Hansi Flick’s trust. However, with Barcelona’s current defence functioning well, with Pau Cubarsí and Inigo Martínez at centre-back, Araujo will need to prove himself once he returns. 

Nevertheless, Flick sees him as an important part of the team, but the Uruguayan will have to fight for his place in a defensive lineup that is already performing strongly.

To ensure he is fully prepared for his return, Araujo has been staying involved with the team through video sessions where he works on defensive coordination, especially focusing on offside traps. 

These sessions allow him to stay sharp and ready, even though he cannot yet train alongside his teammates on the pitch. 

Once fully fit, Araujo will look to integrate back into the defensive line and take on a leadership role, helping guide the team from the back. 

His recovery and determination to return stronger will be key for Barcelona as they continue their push for success this season.