Ronald Araujo flies to Barcelona for muscle treatment

Ronald Araujo returned to Barcelona on Sunday night for specialist assessment of a minor muscle strain ahead of the World Cup. The Uruguayan defender travelled from Montevideo to the Spanish club. The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed the treatment will be carried out by Barcelona medical professionals who have previously overseen his recovery. He will miss Monday's group activities and rejoin the squad on Tuesday the 9th before traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite the injury being described as minor, the long flight was chosen to ensure familiarity with the medical staff. After treatment he will return to South America and then travel with Uruguay to North America for the tournament. Marcelo Bielsa views Araujo as a key starter once fully fit and may manage his minutes before a potential clash with Spain. Both Uruguay and Barcelona aim to avoid a repeat of past serious injuries.