Barcelona's De Jong, Araujo miss Atletico clash

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will miss his team's La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday because of illness.

The league leaders said the Dutchman had a "fever" in a statement, while coach Hansi Flick explained Monday that Uruguayan centre-back Ronald Araujo would miss the game because of a "private situation".

Araujo was sent off in Barcelona's 3-0 Champions League defeat by Chelsea last week and Spanish media have reported he has asked for a "mental health break".

"Ronald is not ready at the moment," Flick told reporters Monday.

"It's a private situation. I don't want to say more. Please also respect it."

Both De Jong and Araujo missed Saturday's league win over Alaves, the former because of a family issue, and the latter with a stomach bug, Barcelona had said.

The Catalans are also without Fermin Lopez as well as long-term absentees Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gavi.

Reigning champions Barca are three points clear of Atletico, fourth, before the teams meet at Camp Nou.