Injured Barcelona captain trains on off days, eyeing early comeback | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have gained a lot of attention for the incredible high-line that they play under Hansi Flick. The German coach has decided a high-risk, high-reward tactic for the Catalan club and based on evidence as seen in the games against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, it is working brilliantly.

One player in the Barcelona squad who feels born to play in such a high-line system is Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan center-back is explosive and a brilliant defender with his back to goal and can catch up with any opposition attacker who gets behind the high line on rare occasions.

Araujo has been out of action since July when he got injured in the Copa America. He has since missed the tournament for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, although he stayed on supporting them for a brief while. Once he returned to Barcelona, the decision was made for him to go under the knife.

The first five months of Araujo’s recovery post-surgery have been slow and excruciating. Little by little, the Uruguayan defender has crossed every phase of recovery, and as per SPORT, he is now inching closer to the date when he can return to doing what he does best.

Araujo is training at the Ciutat Esportiva on a daily basis, working on his fitness and recovery, and looking to make his return to first-team action as soon as possible.

Despite Hansi Flick giving the squad a couple of days off, the Uruguayan was seen training in spite of the rain in Barcelona. He has started working on grass, indicating that he is almost in the final lap.

It is clear that the Barcelona captain is keen on returning to action as soon as possible and making a significant contribution to the team. After all, who would not enjoy playing for Flick’s Barcelona at the moment, considering the incredible run that they are going through?

Once Araujo returns, he will have to work extremely hard to get into the team ahead of the partnership of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez. The Spanish duo has been incredible so far this season and replacing them is going to be no easy task.

Hansi Flick would love the opportunity to have Araujo at his disposal as soon as possible. The Uruguayan has been taking steps as one of the captains, organizing the team lunch on Wednesday, and let’s hope he can continue his recovery and soon be available for selection, fully recovered. Only time will tell how it progresses.