The Blaugrana issued an update on Ronald Araujo’s condition after the star suffered an injury against Espanyol.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo suffered a calf injury during the club’s 2-2 draw against bitter local rivals Espanyol on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Uruguayan limped off at half-time after taking a knock to his left leg. In a brief update on Monday, Barca announced he had pulled the soleus muscle in his left leg.
The club, however, couldn’t confirm how long Araujo might be unavailable or whether he will miss Thursday’s Europa League match against Napoli.
“Tests carried out this Monday morning have confirmed that Ronald Araujo has pulled the soleus muscle in his left leg. His recovery will determine his availability,” read the statement.
LATEST NEWS | Tests carried out this Monday morning have confirmed that @RonaldAraujo_4 has pulled the soleus muscle in his left leg. His recovery will determine his availability. pic.twitter.com/eARBmSCAEr
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 14, 2022
Xavi’s injury crisis continues
Despite his controversial actions from the bench later in the match, Araujo’s potential absence is an unwelcome setback for Barcelona.
The Uruguay international has become a key part of Xavi Hernandez’s defense alongside Gerard Pique. Eric Garcia, who returned after five weeks out with a similar injury, replaced him in the Espanyol game.
“For the moment, it is only painful,” Xavi said of Araujo’s injury after the final whistle at the RCD Stadium.
“He felt some pain during the week but wanted to play. We substituted him at half-time as a precautionary measure. We’ll see where we are tomorrow [Monday] and we’ll take on Napoli and Valencia with the players available to us.”
Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet are also out injured, meaning Xavi only has three central defenders – Pique, Garcia, and Oscar Mingueza – for the Napoli match.
He will later lose Pique to suspension for this Sunday’s trip to Valencia in La Liga after the defender got a red card in the 2-2 draw at Espanyol.
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