Barcelona international could miss opening match of World Cup campaign
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Ronald Araujo could miss Uruguay’s opening World Cup match against Saudi Arabia, with the Barcelona defender dealing with a minor fitness issue and illness in the lead-up to the tournament.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Araujo did not train with the rest of the Uruguay squad in their last session before travelling to the United States.
The 27-year-old is suffering from a slight muscle strain, which is not considered serious, but Uruguay have started preventive treatment to avoid any risk.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Araujo also has flu symptoms, including fever. This has slowed down his progress.
Uruguay expected to be cautious
Araujo may not miss opening match of World Cup. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
As things stand, Araujo could begin the World Cup on the bench, with Guillermo Varela set to take his place in Marcelo Bielsa’s starting XI.
The 27-year-old is an important player for his country and, even from a Barcelona perspective, it makes sense not to take a risk with him before he is fully ready.
Uruguay are expected to use him as a right-back in the tournament, and that role demands a lot from a player physically. Thus, managing a muscle strain has to be done with caution.
The encouraging part is that it does not seem like a major issue. The concern is more about the timing than the severity.
Bigger tests await Araujo
World Cup to be a litmus test for Araujo. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Araujo is expected to fully recover for Uruguay’s second match against Cape Verde on June 22 and the crucial game against Spain on June 27.
The Spain match, in particular, could decide which of the South American and European nations secure top spot in Group H, and Bielsa will want Araujo for that game.
For Araujo, the priority is simple: to recover properly, avoid any setback and take part in the important matches for his nation.
An important summer transfer window and season lie ahead of him from a Barcelona perspective, and he will hope that injuries do not return to deter his progress.