Ronald Araujo is moving closer to a full return as FC Barcelona prepare to continue their pre-season preparations at a training camp in England.
The Uruguayan defender has been working separately since returning from his post-World Cup break, but his recovery is progressing well and he has already resumed individual work on the pitch.
According to [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20260725/1004210015/araujo-recta-final-recuperacion-sumara-grupo-stage.html), Araujo will travel with the squad on Monday and is expected to rejoin full team training during the camp at St George’s Park.
The 27-year-old suffered an injury while training with Uruguay during the World Cup and was unable to feature in the tournament.
Since reporting back to Barcelona, the centre-back has followed an individual programme designed to complete the final stage of his rehabilitation without taking unnecessary risks.
His return to on-pitch work is a positive sign, and he is expected to be available to take part in normal sessions under Hansi Flick soon.
Barcelona will still manage his workload carefully. There is no reason to rush him back during pre-season, especially after an injury that has already disrupted his summer.
Araujo is entering his seventh season with Barcelona, but his position in the defensive hierarchy is no longer guaranteed.
Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia finished last season ahead of him in Flick’s plans, while Andreas Christensen’s renewal has added further competition.
That makes this pre-season particularly important.
Araujo remains one of the squad’s most powerful and experienced defenders, but he must show that he can provide the reliability, tactical discipline and consistency Flick demands from his centre-backs.
Barcelona supporters know the qualities he brings when fully fit. His pace, strength and ability in direct duels can still be extremely valuable, especially in matches where Barca must defend large spaces.
The uncertainty concerns his role rather than his talent.
Once the internationals return and the defensive competition becomes clearer, Araujo will have to decide whether he is prepared to fight for minutes or consider a move that would offer him a guaranteed starting position.
For now, the priority is simple: complete his recovery, return to group training and give Flick a reason to reconsider the current pecking order.