Barça's Ronald Araujo optimistic ahead of the derby against Espanyol

Ronald Araujo suffered, as explained at the time by Barcelona's injury statement, an "avulsion of the adductor longus tendon of the right thigh."

It happened during a friendly on September 23 with Uruguay against Iran in Austria during preparations for the World Cup in Qatar. The defender was barely able to play six minutes. Since then, he has not played again, although he is optimistic ahead of the derby against Espanyol on December 31 at Camp Nou.

The Uruguayan, a few days after being injured, traveled to Finland to be operated on by doctor Lasse Lempainen. From then on, all his efforts were focused on arriving with options to play the World Cup in Qatar with the Uruguayan team. The centre-back joined Diego Alonso's squad with the aim of, when the time came, being available to the coach during the knockout rounds. However, Uruguay fell in the group stage, so Araujo never played in the tournament.

He returned to Barcelona just after the World Cup to continue his recovery at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, although Xavi gave him a few days off to disconnect before getting back to work. Since then, he has evolved very well and, without the requirement of a tight schedule, has been able to focus solely and exclusively on returning in the best possible conditions.

The date that has been marked is December 31. Araujo was present at the presentation of the documentary series 'FC Barcelona, a new era' and, when asked if he would be ready to play the derby against Espanyol and his feelings, he responded with "yes, good, good."

From the injury to the visit from rivals Espanyol, more than three months will have passed. He still has 10 days to test himself during training.