Barcelona handed major injury boost as 25-year-old star returns to team training after lengthy spell on sidelines: Reports
Barcelona have received a major injury boost as Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo has returned to full training with the side, as per Fabrizio Romano on X. The 25-year-old centre-back spent nearly five months on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in the summer.
Uruguay international Araujo suffered the injury in the first half of the Copa America quarterfinal against Brazil, which forced him off after 33 minutes. He underwent a surgery in Finland in July, and has been on the mend ever since.
Araujo has now returned to training and is in line to make his return to the squad soon. In his absence, Hansi Flick has opted for the duo of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in defense since the start of the campaign.
Ronald Araujo was a key player in Xavi's Blaugrana squad, making 37 appearances across all competitions for the club. He suffered from a muscle problem and also picked up a knee injury during the 2023-24 season. The versatile defender has played a total of 150 games for La Blaugrana despite his struggles with injuries, indicating his importance to the club.
Barcelona are being understandably cautious with regards to Araujo's return to action as a result of his injury troubles of recent seasons. He was previously earmarked for a November return, but that has been pushed back to this month.
Lamine Yamal returns to action as Barcelona suffer shock home defeat to Las Palmas
Lamine Yamal returned from injury as Barcelona succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Las Palmas in LaLiga on Saturday (November 30). The 17-year-old made his first appearance for the club, coming off the bench in the second half, since picking up an ankle injury against Crvena Zvezda in November.
Sandro Ramirez opened the scoring for Las Palmas against his former side in the 49th minute before Raphinha equalized with an excellent strike just after the hour mark. The game was decided in the 67th minute thanks to a goal from Portuguese striker Fabio Silva as Las Palmas soured the 125th anniversary celebrations in Barcelona.
Las Palmas secured a first victory over the Catalan side on their home pitch since 1971, with the win taking them up to 14th. The result means that Hansi Flick's side have now failed to win any of their last three league games, drawing with Celta Vigo and losing to Real Sociedad just before the international break.