Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo’s World Cup preparations have taken an unusual twist after the Uruguayan returned to Catalonia for specialist treatment days ahead of the opening match of the World Cup.
Araujo was expected to miss Uruguay’s tournament opener against Saudi Arabia due to a minor muscle strain and illness.
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Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, the defender flew from Montevideo to Barcelona on Sunday night and will undergo treatment with medical professionals who have previously overseen his recovery before immediately returning to join Bielsa’s group.
The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed that the decision was made in agreement with the coaching and medical staff.
“To help resolve a muscle strain, the player will receive medical treatment from professionals who have treated him previously,” read the statement from the national team.
“He will not participate in group activities on Monday, rejoining the group on Tuesday the 9th, when they will travel that night to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
Barcelona medical staff trusted again
While the injury is described as a minor strain rather than a serious setback, the decision to take such a long flight for such a short turnaround has raised eyebrows.
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He will fly to Barcelona, receive treatment, return to South America and then travel with the Uruguay squad to North America for the World Cup.
This decision, albeit concerning, shows the trust Araujo has in the Barcelona medical staff. Rather than take unnecessary risks, all parties involved have chosen to side with familiarity.
An important part of Bielsa’s plans
Araujo will be treated by Barcelona doctors. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
The defender is an important part of manager Marcelo Bielsa’s plans and is expected to be a starter once he is fully fit.
That said, Uruguay could choose to manage his minutes in the first few games before unleashing him against Spain in a game that could decide the group winner.
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Araujo has a track record of suffering serious injuries that halt his progress, and Barcelona and Uruguay will be careful to ensure that does not happen this time around.
The next few days should provide a clearer picture of Araujo’s availability, and let’s hope his cross-Atlantic trip to Barcelona is merely precautionary.
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