Barcelona defensive ace not in training ahead of Villarreal encounter | OneFootball

Following their La Liga title triumph on Thursday thanks to a 2-0 derby win over Espanyol, FC Barcelona will play their first game as champions on Sunday when they take on Villarreal.

The Blaugrana will be playing their final game at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys as well where they will lift the league title and hope to end the stint at their temporary home on a winning note.

No Ronald Araujo in training

As Barcelona took to the training pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper today to prepare for the Villarreal clash, there was a notable absence in training.

Indeed, as confirmed by journalist Victor Navarro, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo did not take part in the training session today and as such could miss Sunday’s game.

The Uruguayan international suffered a blow to his knee during the derby against Espanyol on Thursday night and had to be taken off for Pau Cubarsi early in the second half.

Araujo could miss the Villarreal clash. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

It appears that the Barça second captain has still not fully recovered from the bruise and as such he was not seen in group training today, casting doubts over his availability for tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde also did not return to training and will be unavailable as he continues his recovery from the injury he sustained recently.

Ferran Torres is also ruled out after undergoing surgery for appendicitis while Marc Bernal remains sidelined as he continues his rehab after ACL rupture.

Inigo Martinez, who missed the derby due to suspension, is set to be available for the game against the Yellow Submarine.