Barcelona defender and captain Ronald Araujo has been granted an indefinite leave of absence by the Spanish club upon his request, according to reports, Reuters reported. 

The Uruguayan was not part of its matchday squad during Saturday’s 3-1 La Liga home win against Alaves, with manager Hansi Flick saying he is absent due to a “stomach virus”.

Araujo’s last appearance was during Barca’s 3-0 Champions League loss against Chelsea on Tuesday last week, when he was sent off for a second yellow after a clumsy trip on Marc Cucurella a minute before the break, according to Reuters.