Barcelona’s captain takes indefinite mental-health leave

December 2, 2025 Oliver Obel

Barcelona will face Atlético Madrid this week without one of their most influential defenders, after Ronald Araujo requested time away from the team to address his mental health. The decision comes during a demanding stretch for the club and arrives just as they attempt to regain stability after a turbulent week.

Barça briefly eased the pressure with a 3–1 win over Alavés at the weekend, a response to their heavy Champions League defeat against Chelsea. But as attention shifts back to La Liga, the focus inside the club has turned to the absence of their captain rather than tactical preparations.

Araujo seeks time to regroup

According to Mundo Deportivo and reporting from El País, Araujo and his representative informed the club that he did not currently feel mentally prepared to compete. He reportedly expressed concern that continuing in his condition might hurt the team, and asked for space to recover.

A separate update from Reuters noted that Barcelona accepted the request and did not assign a specific timeline for his return. The decision follows a difficult week for the Uruguayan, who was sent off during the 3–0 loss to Chelsea an incident that drew significant criticism and appears to have intensified personal pressure on him.

Flick asks for privacy

Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed that Araujo would miss the upcoming match, but offered little additional detail. “It’s a private matter,” he told reporters, asking the media to respect both the player and his family.

Local coverage from Barça Blaugrana highlighted that the staff has been cautious about discussing the situation publicly and are aiming to give Araujo room to recover at his own pace.

Leadership voices support

Club president Joan Laporta also addressed the matter, defending the centre-back against what he called disproportionate scrutiny. He emphasized Araujo’s commitment and reminded supporters that responsibility for results is shared across the squad, not placed on a single individual.

His comments aligned with the broader stance inside the club: Araujo should return only when he feels ready.

What it means for Barcelona

Araujo’s absence leaves Barcelona without a key piece of their defensive structure heading into an important phase of their season. While the club has not indicated when he might rejoin the squad, officials have repeatedly stressed that his wellbeing takes priority.

For now, Barça will prepare for Atlético with adjusted plans and a focus on supporting their captain during his recovery.

Sources: Mundo Deportivo, El País, Reuters, Barça Blaugrana