‘The manager already knows’… Ronald Araujo now addresses his lack of minutes at Barcelona | OneFootball

Ronald Araujo has been a crucial centre-back for Barcelona over the years, but this season has been a difficult one since returning from injury.

The Uruguayan missed the first few months of the season after suffering a long-term hamstring injury, and he has struggled to force his way back into Hansi Flick’s side, with Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi performing superbly in his absence.

Araujo was an unused substitute in Barcelona’s 4-4 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey, and was also snubbed as his teammates kept clean sheets against Rayo Vallecano and Las Palmas in La Liga.

However, speaking to SPORT, Araujo insisted that he is happy at the club, and understands why Flick has elected not to regularly pick him after recovering from injury.

“In the end, a winning team has to have great players. Not just 11, but more. If you look at the bench now you see that there are good players, and I personally understand that I have been out for almost six months,” Araujo stated.

“You don’t have to be stupid, you have to take it little by little and when the manager considers that it is time to come in… I am happy, it doesn’t bother me because I understand where I am coming from. When I am 100%, the manager already knows what I can give.”

Araujo has started just three of the eight La Liga games he has been available for this season, and he has worn the captain’s armband whenever he has featured.

With Barcelona facing a busy schedule, with the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final, the Champions League last-16 ties against Benfica, and several crucial matches in La Liga, Araujo is certain to receive more opportunities, and he will hope to earn his starting spot back.