According to a recent report from AS, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is set to be included in the squad for the upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund without a medical clearance from the club doctors.
Araujo, who has been sidelined for almost four months due to a hamstring injury suffered in July, is eager to return to action, although he has not been given medical clearance.
This means his inclusion in the match against Borussia Dortmund will likely be more symbolic at this stage. The defender is not expected to feature in the game immediately, as his return to full fitness is still a work in progress.
What is Barcelona’s plan then?
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is focused on ensuring that Araujo doesn’t miss any more group training sessions, which is why the decision has been made to include him in the squad, even though he is not expected to play a major role in the match.
Ronald Araujo will be included in the squad to face Borussia Dortmund. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
His true return to the pitch, barring any setbacks, is planned for Sunday’s game against Leganes at Montjuic.
The recovery process will be gradual, with Araujo likely to feature for only 10 to 15 minutes at first. The exact player to make way for him in the starting lineup is yet to be determined.
Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have both been in strong form this season, and there is even the possibility that Araujo could replace Jules Kounde, should Flick decide to play Kounde as a right-back.
Regardless of the lineup decisions, Araujo’s return marks a significant step forward for both the player and the team.
Araujo has been training with the squad for the past couple of weeks, having completed several full training sessions. His steady progress has given the coaching staff confidence that he is on track with his recovery.
The Uruguayan has stuck to the planned recovery timeline, with his return to full training just four months after undergoing surgery. Barcelona is taking no chances, as they continue to manage the defender’s recovery carefully.