Barcelona’s defender, Ronald Araújo, is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during Uruguay’s quarterfinal match against Brazil in the Copa América. The 25-year-old missed out on the remainder of the tournament and has opted to undergo surgery following consultations with Barcelona’s medical team. This decision means Araújo is expected to be out of action for approximately four months, with a potential return in November.
Recovery and Return
The Catalan club confirmed that Araújo will have the surgery led by Dr. Lasse Lempainen in Finland, with further updates on his condition and recovery anticipated post-procedure. This setback comes at a crucial time for Barcelona as they prepare for the upcoming 2024-25 LaLiga season under new head coach Hansi Flick. The team’s first match is scheduled against Valencia on August 17th.
Future Uncertainty
Amidst his injury concerns, questions regarding Araújo’s future at Barcelona have also surfaced. Reports have suggested that the club is open to offers for the center-back, as he enters the final two years of his current contract. Talks of extending his deal have not progressed, leading to speculation of interest from other clubs such as Bayern Munich and Premier League. Barcelona may be inclined to consider a transfer this summer to avoid diminishing his market value.
The news of Ronald Araújo’s injury and subsequent surgery is a significant blow for Barcelona, who will have to cope without one of their key defenders for an extended period. The timing of his absence coinciding with uncertainties surrounding his future at the club adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As Barcelona navigates through these challenges, they will need to find suitable replacements and solutions to maintain their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
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