Barcelona captain Araujo returns to training, set to discuss future with coach Flick

Published Jul 20, 07:27 AM UTC

Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has returned to training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, becoming the first World Cup participant to rejoin the squad. The Uruguayan defender, who missed playing time at the World Cup due to injury and Uruguay's group-stage elimination, is eager to regain his starting spot under new coach Hansi Flick. Araujo previously underwent mental health treatment that kept him away from the team for months. He will now work with fitness coaches to regain match condition. Flick plans to hold individual conversations with Araujo and other first-team players about their roles for the new season. Barcelona's center-back options include Araujo, Christensen, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Alvaro Cortes. Frenkie de Jong is expected to return next but has a knee injury, though cruciate ligament damage has been ruled out.