Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo has said that he is going to return "like a bull" from injury, with the Uruguay international now in the latter stages of his recovery from a serious hamstring problem.
Araujo suffered a tendon injury in his right hamstring while representing his country against Brazil at the 2024 Copa America.
The defender later underwent an operation, with a recovery period of at least four months, and he is believed to be on course to return to the field before the end of November.
Araujo has said that he is "progressing very well", claiming that he is "very happy" with his recent progress.
"I'm progressing very well and that makes me happy. It hasn't been easy, but I've learned a lot, both physically and mentally," Araujo said in an interview with Barca One.
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Araujo could make Barcelona return next month
"The recovery is going well. I'm very happy, the club is surprised by how I'm doing. I'm going to come back like a bull."
There had been speculation surrounding Araujo's future earlier this year, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich both believed to be keen on him, but his injury ended any chances of him leaving over the summer.
Araujo does only have a contract at Camp Nou until June 2026, though, and Barcelona are believed to be finding it difficult to convince him to sign a new deal amid the growing interest in his services.
However, he has suggested that he is planning to stay with the Catalan giants for 'many more years'.
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"I think I should have scored more goals (laughs), but I'm happy, I think it's been a great five years," said Araujo. "The truth is that it's a dream to be able to be at this club and to have been here for five years. I hope that many more will come.
"We play for a club that is obliged to win titles. When you don't win titles, the season is bad. We are Barca and we are obliged to win titles. It's true that it's a new project with a lot of young players, it was a learning season, we learnt from the hard moments of last season.
"We all yearn to win the Champions League, it's the biggest objective we have and it's the unfinished business. It's also the title that remains for me and I'm going to give everything to be able to lift it."
Araujo also said that he is looking forward to playing under Flick, with the defender continuing: "I didn't have time to share the pitch with them, but I'm enjoying the team, it's very good.
"It's important to start well for a league title, which is long. I enjoy the team, we know we have to know how to work with humility. I've spoken to him (Flick), we have a good feeling and we talk about everything. The challenge would be to win titles this season."
Araujo has made 150 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in the process, and he could make his return for the club against Celta Vigo after the November international break.
Matt Law
