Araujo will also not play against Atlético; Ter Stegen returns to training

FC Barcelona began the week with important news regarding their captains. Marc-André ter Stegen returned to training on the grass of the Tito Vilanova field at the Ciutat Esportiva almost seven months later. During the summer, back discomfort prevented him from participating in preseason and, finally, the '1' had to undergo new surgery.

His layoff was estimated at four months or more, which allowed the club to register the recently signed Joan García. Now, the German is facing the final stretch of his recovery, although he has not yet received medical clearance. Therefore, he will be out for the match against Atlético de Madrid on Tuesday for matchday 19 of LaLiga, which was brought forward due to the Spanish Super Cup in January

Another player who will not be available against the 'mattress makers' is **Ronald Araujo**. The center-back was out against Alavés on Saturday due to a stomach problem and, ultimately, remains sidelined, but for much more complex reasons.

Ronald Araujo asks Barça for "a break" to overcome slump in morale

Ronald Araujo greets Hansi Flick after being sent off against Chelsea

In the press conference prior to the match against Atlético, Hansi Flick confirmed the Uruguayan's absence "for personal reasons." In the following hours, various reports have circulated about the situation of an Araujo who is very affected by the criticism he received after his expulsion against Chelsea

On Monday afternoon, the 26-year-old footballer's agents met with Deco to ask the club for "an indefinite period" to recover emotionally. The '4' has the full backing of the board and the locker room, but feels that, at this moment, he can contribute little or nothing to the team due to his emotional slump.

The 25/26 season has been complex for Araujo. Despite the departure of Iñigo Martínez, the 'charrúa' has not managed to regain his starting position and has only played 886 minutes in 15 of the 19 matches played by Barça so far. The defender started on 10 occasions, but is still far from his best form. 

Regarding his situation, Flick was blunt in asking for respect for any rumors linked to his future at Barcelona. The '4' renewed this year until 2031 and remains a leader within the squad. "Ronald is not ready. It's a private situation... I won't say more and I ask that you respect it, that's what I can and will say," explained the manager before Barça-Atlético.

Ter Stegen, closer to medical discharge

In Ter Stegen's case, his return also presents a complicated scenario for the coaching staff. The '1' is, at this moment, the third goalkeeper behind Joan García and Wojciech Szczesny. In that regard, his departure in the winter market seems inevitable, although there are no negotiations underway yet between the goalkeeper and other teams.

In any case, 'Matts' is confident of receiving medical clearance in the coming days, something that, for now, does not worry Hansi Flick. **The manager is focusing on the schedule** and is 'ignoring' controversies about the future of the also captain of the German national team, who needs to play regularly to return to the 'mannschaft' goal.

"It's not the time to talk about this. He's not ready to play. We have to wait and take the next steps. It's good for him. We're happy with his return," Flick limited himself to saying about the 'Ter Stegen case'. For now, Besiktas is the most interested in his loan for the next winter transfer window, but the goalkeeper is not yet showing signs of wanting to leave.

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