Setback for Barcelona as Ronald Araujo faces four months out

The 25-year-old defender sustained the injury on July 7 while representing Uruguay in the Copa America.

The tests have revealed that the injury is more serious than initially thought, and he will require surgery, according to a statement from Barcelona. However, the club have not specified an estimated recovery time, which is expected to be around four months.

The Uruguayan international, who is currently in the process of negotiating a contract renewal with Barcelona, felt discomfort in the back of his right thigh during the quarter-final match against Brazil and left the pitch in the 33rd minute.

The first medical report, issued by the medical team of Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa, was not very detailed. "Following the studies conducted, it was confirmed that it is a muscular injury," the statement read.

The initial report did not specify how long Araujo would be sidelined due to this injury, which forced him to miss the rest of the tournament. Some sources had suggested a layoff of between one and two months, but Barcelona refrained from making any predictions or discussing possible treatments until they had examined the player themselves.

That examination took place on Monday, and the conclusion was that the injury is more severe than expected and that surgery is necessary. He has sustained an injury to the hamstring tendon in his right thigh. The club announced that in the coming days, he will travel to Finland to undergo surgery performed by Dr. Lasse Lempainen.

Araujo, while participating in the Copa America, was not supposed to return to Barcelona just yet, as he had been granted a few days of vacation. However, he decided to return early to undergo tests and begin his recovery process.

This injury is a significant blow for Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, as his other starting central defender, Pau Cubarsi, will be competing in the Paris Olympic Games, which commence on Friday, July 26, and conclude on August 11.

Araujo played in 37 matches during the 2023-2024 season, starting in 33 of them. He scored one goal, which came against Real Sociedad in La Liga. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by Barcelona, as his defensive prowess and presence on the field have been crucial to the team's performance.

Barcelona's defensive lineup will need to adapt quickly in the absence of Araujo and Cubarsi. Hansi Flick will likely look to other squad members to step up during this challenging period. The team's medical staff will be working diligently to ensure Araujo's recovery is as swift and smooth as possible.