FINLAND: Barcelona have suffered a major setback ahead of the start of their pre-season as one of their key players and club captain Ronald Araujo has suffered an injury and will undergo surgery, the club confirmed on Monday.
Araujo suffered a thigh injury a few days ago during the Copa America 2024 quarter-final match against Brazil, after which he was forced to leave the field as he was unable to continue due to pain.
There was some doubt as to whether his injury would require surgery or not, but it has now been confirmed that he will undergo surgery in Finland in the coming days.
“Tests carried out at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper have shown that first team player Ronald Araujo has an injured tendon in his right thigh,” the club said in a statement.
“In the coming days, he will undergo surgical treatment with Dr. Lasse Lempainen under the supervision of the club’s medical services in Turku (Finland). A new medical opinion will be provided at the end of the intervention.”
Araujo could be sidelined for up to four months with the operation set to take place, keeping him out of football until December.
With the Uruguayan out for the rest of the year, Barcelona are expected to continue to rely on Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia to maintain depth in the squad in defence.
Araujo’s injury would be a big blow for newly appointed head coach Hansi Flick as he will also be without one of Barcelona’s key players, Gavi, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last year and has been sidelined ever since.
Another Barcelona star, Pedri, was injured during the recently concluded European Championship (Euro) 2024, which Spain won by defeating England in the final, and could miss the start of the season.
