Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has requested time away from the club to focus on his mental well-being following the Catalan side’s heavy 0-3 defeat against Chelsea in the Champions League. The loss at Stamford Bridge, combined with receiving a red card, has had a significant impact on the 26-year-old Uruguayan, who is reportedly still struggling to regain his usual composure.
Despite Barcelona bouncing back in La Liga with a 3-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves last Wednesday, Araujo was unable to feature in the match. He is expected to miss the club’s crucial upcoming fixture against Atletico Madrid as he continues to navigate a difficult period in terms of mental health.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Araujo has formally asked the club for some personal time so that he can recover mentally and return to his top form. Barcelona have expressed full support for the player, allowing him the flexibility to take as long as necessary before rejoining the squad. The club’s president Joan Laporta publicly backed Araujo last Friday, while sporting director Deco and head coach Xavi (or Hansi Flick, depending on timing) are also reportedly fully supportive.
The red card at Chelsea, and the subsequent pressure, made Araujo realise that he could not perform at his best for both his team and himself. By taking this temporary leave, the defender hopes to regain confidence and focus. Sources indicate that Araujo may be available for selection in Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture against Real Betis.
This move highlights a growing recognition in football that mental health is as important as physical fitness, with elite clubs increasingly providing support for players during challenging periods.