Ronald Araujo, the 25-year-old Barcelona defender, suffered a hamstring tendon injury during the Copa America quarterfinals against Brazil on July 7. After undergoing tests, he has been scheduled for surgery in Finland, which will be performed by Dr Lasse Lempainen.
Recovery Time
The estimated recovery time for Araujo’s injury is around four months, which will keep him out of action until November. This is a significant blow to Barcelona’s defence, especially with another starting central defender, Pau Cubarsi, participating in the Paris Olympic Games.
Impact on Barcelona
Araujo’s absence will be deeply felt by Barcelona, as he played a crucial role in the team’s performance during the 2023-2024 season. He participated in 37 matches, starting in 33 of them, and scored one goal against Real Sociedad in La Liga.
Contract Negotiations
Araujo’s injury comes at a time when his contract negotiations with Barcelona are ongoing. The club is open to offers for the centre-back, and his value may decrease as he moves towards the end of his contract.
Barcelona will kick off the 2024-2025 La Liga campaign at Valencia on August 17, and Araujo’s absence will be a significant challenge for the team. Hansi Flick, the new coach, will need to find alternative solutions to fill the gap left by Araujo’s injury.
