Break comes after the player received heavy criticism for a red card against Chelsea
Barcelona have given centre-back Ronald Araujo some time off after the defender asked for space to address his mental health.
The 26-year-old is physically fit but has not been in the right place mentally in recent weeks, according to people close to the situation. It led to discussions with the club over a short break and Barcelona agreed to the request.
Araujo has featured 15 times in all competitions this season, but his most recent appearance was in the Champions League defeat to Chelsea last week, when he got sent off and Barcelona played the entire second half a man down, losing 3-0.
The player received heavy criticism from fans after that game. He was then absent from the 3-1 La Liga win over Alaves last weekend, although the club claimed he had a stomach problem.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was reticent about the situation during his press conference ahead of the club’s game against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
“Ronald is not ready at the moment,” said Flick. “It’s a private situation. I don’t want to say more. Please also respect it. This is what I can say and what I want to say.”
