Three Barcelona captains injured as World Cup takes toll

Barcelona have 16 representatives at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, half of them in the Spanish contingent. Only one matchday has been completed, and three Barcelona players are already suffering injuries or physical setbacks.

Ronald Araujo was the first Blaugrana player to return to Barcelona through discomfort, travelling back to Spain before Uruguay played their first game. Araujo is currently injured and there is no update on his return, meaning he may miss the team’s second game against Cape Verde.

Frenkie de Jong sustained an injury during the Netherlands’ draw against Japan, despite playing the full 90 minutes. He is a serious doubt for his national team’s second game against Sweden later today.

Raphinha left the field in the 40th minute of Brazil’s match against Haiti, and his fitness is now in serious doubt for further participation in the tournament. The Brazilian forward’s injury adds to Barcelona’s captain casualties.

Lamine Yamal was injured before the World Cup and missed the final part of the league season to recover. He started Spain’s first game on the bench, entered in the final ten minutes, and admitted he is still not at 100%. He is unlikely to start Spain’s next game in just over 24 hours unless Luis de la Fuente decides to force him into the lineup.

From Barcelona’s perspective, they simply cannot afford any more setbacks. The club will hope Yamal can be rested as much as possible.