BARCELONA star Ronald Araujo has been granted indefinite leave by the club over a “private situation”.
The defender was left out of the matchday squad to face Alaves over the weekend.
He was sent off in his last appearance against Chelsea in the Champions League last week.
Araujo, 26, has now been granted leave after his representatives met with sporting director Deco, according to The Athletic.
It is understood Araujo has requested time off due to personal reasons.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta threw his public support behind the Uruguayan, acknowledging he has had a “tough time”.
Laporta said: “He has been heavily criticised, and I don’t think that’s fair.
“He gives his all on the pitch, he’s our captain, and now he needs to get through this difficult period because he’s a very emotional person with strong feelings.
“He’s had a tough time, and I want to tell him that we’re behind him, that he needs to turn the page because here we all win and we all lose, and no one person is responsible for defeats or victories.”
Barca boss Hansi Flick was asked about the situation and he called for privacy.
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Flick said: “It is a private situation, I don’t want to say more.
“And please, if you can respect it I’d appreciate it.”
