Ronald Araujo’s presence in Hansi Flick’s Spanish Super Cup squad marks the Uruguayan defender’s return after being sidelined for several weeks for mental health reasons. According to the media that disseminated the information, FC Barcelona has included Araujo in the list announced this Monday, which focuses on the semi-final in which the Barça team will face the Athletic Club this Wednesday at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
As FC Barcelona announced, Araujo’s return represents the most important innovation in a call of 24 footballers to face the Super Cup, which will be played between January 7th and 11th, 2026. Araujo’s temporary absence began after the Champions League game against Chelsea on November 25. Then the centre-back was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the first half, sparking various criticisms of his performance. Araujo then decided to pause his sporting activities to focus on his emotional health, a decision supported by both the club and his teammates.
The media pointed out that Araujo resumed training with the Barcelona team on December 29, after the Christmas break. Although he was already available to the team again, Hansi Flick decided not to include him in the group that played the derby against RCD Espanyol, citing physical problems and the personal process that the footballer was going through. Flick explained on Friday before the call: “Physically he is not 100 percent. He has to decide (when he will come back). He is back, he has spoken to the rest of his teammates who support him. He will take the time he needs.” These words collected by FC Barcelona reflect the flexibility of the coaching staff regarding the gradual return of Araujo.
According to the coach and the club, in addition to the reinstatement of Araujo, the injured Andreas Christensen and Pablo Páez, known as “Gavi”, are also on the list of notable injured. These players cannot travel to Saudi Arabia and therefore will not strengthen the Barcelona team in the tournament.
The list of those called up includes goalkeepers Ter Stegen, Joan Garcia and Szczesny; the defenders Balde, Araujo himself, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Kounde, Eric García and Jofre; midfielders Pedri, Fermín, Casadó, Olmo, De Jong, Bernal, Dro and Tommy; and strikers Ferran, Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Rasford and Bardghji. These names make up the squad with which the team faces the mission of winning the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabian territory, as FC Barcelona details.
The competition takes place from January 7th to 11th and brings together prominent Spanish football teams. In this edition, the Barça team will face the Athletic Club in the semi-finals, a duel that will be played in the city of Jeddah at the modern King Abdullah Stadium, the usual venue of the last editions of the tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Araujo’s return comes at a time when the importance of supporting his teammates is underlined, as the coach himself explained to the club’s official media. Support from the locker room was important during the football player’s absence, constantly communicating with squad members and coaching staff before assessing his ability to reintegrate.
FC Barcelona officially announced the call this Monday, emphasizing that the final decision on Araujo’s presence in the game depends on the physical and emotional state of the player. The club and the coach are respectful of the Uruguayan’s trial following the events in the game against Chelsea and the resulting consequences for his emotional state. The news has attracted attention in the run-up to the game as it is one of the team’s defensive references.
The full list announced by FC Barcelona includes alternatives to make up for the absences of key players such as Christensen and Gavi, relying on the combination of experienced players and younger players to face the competition. The aim in Saudi Arabia will be to reach the final of the Super Cup and strengthen the collective performance in order to return to normality in the squad after the reintegration of the players who have been absent in recent weeks.
About The Author
