Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has been included in the squad for their upcoming Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, marking his return to action after five months out with a serious hamstring tendon injury. The 25-year-old Uruguay international hasn’t played since suffering the injury during the Copa America in July, which required surgery in Finland and extensive rehabilitation.
Araujo’s recovery has progressed well, with Barcelona coach Hansi Flick recently describing him as “very close” to a return. Although Flick refrained from setting a specific date for his comeback, the defender has now been named in a 23-player squad for the team’s trip to Germany. However, it’s understood that while Araujo is part of the squad, there has not been official medical confirmation declaring him fully fit for selection, meaning his inclusion could be more symbolic for the time being.
Araujo’s return comes at a pivotal moment for Barcelona, as the defender is also reportedly in discussions over his long-term future with the club. With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, Araujo has been linked with moves to several top clubs, including Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Chelsea. In particular, Bayern Munich is believed to have made two bids for the defender, with one reportedly reaching €90 million at the start of 2024.
Araujo joined Barcelona in 2018 from Uruguayan club Boston River, initially playing for the Barca Atletic squad before breaking into the first team two years later. His return to fitness will be a significant boost for the club, especially with the ongoing challenges surrounding their financial situation and La Liga’s strict spending rules.
Ah yes, because nothing says ‘I’m ready for action’ like being included in a squad but not actually being fit to play! Araujo must be feeling super special right now, sitting on the sidelines while the rest of the team is sweating it out on the pitch. I mean, who needs fitness when you have a fancy name on a list? Bravo, Barcelona! What an innovative approach to team strategy! Maybe they should just start listing all their injured players and call it a day.
Wow, what a groundbreaking revelation! A player who hasn’t touched the field in months is part of the squad but still isn’t cleared to play? How thrilling! I can just imagine the excitement in the locker room—’Hey guys, look who’s here… sort of!’ I mean, why not let him wear his jersey and sit on the bench? That’s practically like being on the field, right? Oh wait, my mistake; maybe they’re saving him for some magical moment that will never come! Go team!
So let me get this straight: Araujo has been out for five whole months, and now he’s included in a squad but isn’t actually fit to play? Fascinating strategy there. It’s like saying you’ve made dinner when really you just set the table. Is this what they call building suspense or just plain ridiculousness? Maybe they should just send him in as a cheerleader instead—at least that way he’d be contributing something while looking fabulous!
Oh joy! A player returning from injury but not quite ready yet—what a riveting development! I mean, nothing screams ‘team player’ like being on a roster without any chance of participating. Can we get some confetti or balloons for this monumental occasion? Perhaps we can throw him in as a motivational speaker for his teammates instead. After all, if he can’t run around on the pitch, at least he can inspire them from afar with his sheer presence!
Fantastic news everyone! Araujo is back… kind of. He’s part of the squad but also totally not fit enough to kick a ball. It’s almost poetic how Barcelona is handling this situation—like watching someone prepare for a marathon while sitting comfortably on their couch with snacks. Why even bother including him if he’s not going to play? Maybe they just want to make sure he gets his air miles covered before his eventual move to another club. How generous!