Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has been granted an indefinite leave of absence at his own request, according to multiple reports.
The Uruguayan defender was excluded from the squad for Saturday’s 3–1 LaLiga victory over Alavés, with manager Hansi Flick attributing his absence to a “stomach virus.”
Araujo last featured in Barcelona’s 3–0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea the previous Tuesday, a match in which he was sent off shortly before half-time after receiving a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Marc Cucurella.
According to The Athletic, Barcelona sporting director Deco met with Araujo’s representatives on Monday and agreed to allow the 28-year-old a period away from football. The club is reportedly committed to providing him with whatever time he requires.
“It is a private situation; I don’t want to say more. And please, if you can respect it, I would appreciate it,” Flick told reporters on Monday.
The club did not immediately respond to requests for comment submitted outside standard working hours.
Barcelona, who currently sit at the top of the LaLiga standings, host fourth-placed Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.
