Barcelona defender still not training with the group ahead of Rayo Vallecano clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be in action on Monday night as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Matchday 24 of La Liga at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Heading into the game, the Blaugrana do not have a long injury list as the only confirmed absentees at this point are Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Andreas Christensen.

As for Ronald Araujo, there continue to remain question marks about his availability after he picked up a knock last weekend.

Araujo still not training with the group

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Araujo has yet to return to full training with the Barcelona squad as the team prepares for Monday’s fixture against Rayo Vallecano.

The Uruguayan centre-back trained individually at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Friday, three days before the crucial match.

Araujo still not training with the squad. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Araujo was also absent from Thursday’s team session, the squad’s first training after enjoying three days of rest following their 4-1 victory over Sevilla last Sunday.

The defender started that match but had to be substituted midway through the first half due to a physical setback, making way for Eric Garcia.

Although Araujo initially tried to continue playing, he was forced off the pitch after sustaining a heavy blow to his right ankle, which resulted in a contusion.

Hansi Flick is closely monitoring Araujo’s condition, though for now, the defender remains on an individual training programme.

The Barcelona captain missed the entire first half of the season due to an injury and only made his comeback last month. Since then, he has played eight matches in all competitions before his latest setback.

Fortunately for Barcelona, the strong performances of Inigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsi, and Eric Garcia provide a sense of security as the team enters a crucial phase of the season.