FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Ronald Araujo, ready to reclaim his spot in the XI

The FC Barcelona-Real Sociedad match on matchday 26 of LaLiga presents an ideal opportunity for Ronald Araujo to gain quality minutes with the azulgrana team. The captain remained on the bench against Rayo (1-0) and Las Palmas (0-2), as well as in the first semifinal of the Copa del Rey against Atlético de Madrid. The defender has not played since February 9, when he had to leave the match against Sevilla (1-4) in the 22nd minute due to a severe blow to his right ankle.

Since then, the '4' has been training separately from the group for three weeks, although he managed to be included in the squad against Rayo. On Sunday, at 16:15 in Montjuïc, the Uruguayan international could return to the lineup as part of Hansi Flick's rotation plan, as the match against the 'txuri-urdin' team comes just 72 hours before the visit to Benfica for the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí played the full 90 minutes against 'Aleti', while Eric García started in Gran Canaria.

In this regard, it is very likely that Flick will rest Cubarsí, as the academy player has only missed the lineup in two league matches in the 24/25 season. Eric seems to be ahead of Araujo at this moment in Flick's plans, although it is likely that the coach will take the opportunity to give the 'charrúa' some playing time, as this year he has only been in the XI in three of the six league matches played so far.

Araujo is confident in being physically fit for the decisive stretch of the 24/25 season

In this sense, the azulgrana '4' is clear that, despite not being at 100% in terms of competitive rhythm, he is in a position to help the team in the decisive stretch of the 24/25 season and in the big matches. "I have to be fit for that, physically. Without a doubt, I can make it to the duels, to the space. These six years I have been at Barça, one of my great virtues has been that, being able to correct, play with the high line," he commented in a chat with 'SPORT'.

Moreover, Ronald admitted how hard it was to overcome his expulsion against PSG last season, something he has already put behind him thanks to his character and competitive spirit. "The greats are mentally strong and know how to overcome these situations. I consider myself one of those. I won't deny that after that (the elimination in Champions) in the league I wasn't at the level I usually have, but we have to keep going. There is still a lot of career left, to build, to give for this club", he pointed out.