Barcelona receive good news on key center-back’s return and renewal | OneFootball

Although he was able to get the required results, Hansi Flick had to face a difficult start to his life at FC Barcelona because of the injuries to several important players. Both the defence and the midfield were spread thin in the initial phase of the 2024-25 season.

But recently, things have improved in the midfield, as players like Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez have all returned from their injuries.

However, Flick has yet to see two of his important centre-backs, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, return to action.

Ronald Araujo, who has been suffering from an injury in the hamstring tendon of his right thigh, has a particularly complicated case as he is a key defender for Barcelona. In addition to this injury, his contractual situation has also caused Barcelona significant concern.

However, SPORT reports that there is good news for Barcelona in both these aspects related to the Uruguayan centre-back.

Four months after having undergone surgery for this injury, Araujo is now in the final stretch of his recovery. He will not be able to return to the field against Celta Vigo, but he is expected to do so in December, against Mallorca or Real Betis. For now, the defender, the coaching staff and the medical staff will decide when he will return to group training and the pitch.

Similarly, there have also been some good developments regarding his renewal. The centre-back had put the negotiations with Barcelona on hold because he was focusing fully on his recovery, but now, as he is close to returning to the pitch, a meeting is expected to take place between Deco and Araujo’s agents soon.

Araujo is now expected to be an important player for Flick, and the previous feeling of mistrust between the two parties has now evaporated. Although Barcelona are in no hurry, the defender now wants to extend his contract before the end of this season.