Araujo Joins Reds' Pre-Season Training

Ronald Araujo wasted no time getting to work. The defender, who completed a loan move from FC Barcelona on Monday, was straight into the action in the Reds’ midweek training session as Andoni Iraola sharpened his squad for a looming friendly double-header against Como 1907.

The Uruguay international joined a lively group session that also featured Alexis Mac Allister, back in full swing after beginning his pre-season programme earlier this week. The midfielder slotted into drills with little sign of rust, moving the ball quickly and demanding sharpness from those around him.

There was more good news for Iraola. Jeremy Jacquet and Curtis Jones, both absent from last weekend’s clash with AS Monaco, returned to training and took a full part in the workout. Their involvement offered a timely boost to numbers and competition across the pitch.

The tempo rarely dipped. Rapid-fire rondos set the tone, with players pressed to think and move at speed under tight pressure. From there, the intensity climbed through a series of demanding team drills, Iraola and his staff driving standards and insisting on crisp passing and aggressive pressing.

With two meetings against Como 1907 on the horizon, the session carried a clear edge. Places are up for grabs, fitness is building, and a new signing from Barcelona has already joined the fight for a starting shirt.