Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is reported to have taken a risk with returning vice-captain Ronald Araujo in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund this week.
Araujo hasn't played since a serious hamstring tendon injury suffered while in action at the Copa America in July, requiring specialist surgery in Finland and a lengthy rehabilitation period.
The Uruguay international, replaced in the starting lineup this season by Inigo Martinez, and was described by Flick earlier this month as "very close" to a comeback after impressive progress on the training pitch. The boss refused at that time to set a specific game.
Araujo has been included in the 23-player squad travelling to Germany later on Tuesday.
AS writes that "everything is ready" for Araujo to be back in the fold, but also reported there hadn't been official medical sign-off to declare him fit for selection.
That points to his expected involvement in this squad being more "symbolic" than anything else, with Flick keen to keep Araujo training with the team while the players are away in Germany.
Ronald Araujo
Araujo last played in July for Uruguay / Ethan Miller/GettyImages
Alongside his injury comeback, Araujo is also believed to be in talks over his Barcelona future, with a current contract that is due to expire at the end of next season - around 18 months from now.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away over the past few transfer windows, potentially a saleable asset to help restore Barcelona's financial position amid renewed claims they are getting close to returning to La Liga's 1:1 spending rules.
Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Chelsea have often been linked in reports, with Bayern rumoured to have made two January bids - the latter totalling €90m - at the start of 2024.
Araujo joined Barcelona from little Uruguayan club Boston River in 2018, initially linking up with the Barca Atletic squad and joining the first-team permanently two years later.
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