Ronald Araujo has not had the easiest of seasons at FC Barcelona. Dealing with anxiety issues, the Uruguayan international opted to take a short mental health break between November and January.
Since returning to action, the Barça captain has not seen regular minutes, with Hansi Flick preferring the defensive pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia more often than not.
Araujo working hard to regain prominence
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Araujo is pushing hard to regain a starting place in the Barcelona team.
The Uruguayan trained this Tuesday despite the squad having a day off in order to improve his condition as the decisive phase of the season approaches.
After resuming first-team training following his break in January and returning to action in the Copa del Rey against Albacete, where he even scored, the defender’s next challenge is to regain a starting role in La Liga and the Champions League.
Working hard to regain prominence. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
In both competitions, the coach will need all available players, and defenders of Araujo’s profile will be required against strong opposition to ensure success.
The Uruguayan centre-back is aware that he is the most physically dominant defender in the squad and the quickest on the ground, as well as the one who poses the greatest threat from set pieces in the opposition box.
Andreas Christensen is injured, while Cubarsi and Garcia have carried a heavy workload. So, Flick will need all his options, which Araujo is fully aware of.
The Uruguayan feels increasingly ready and is hoping for meaningful minutes, convinced he is prepared to make it count.