Barcelona announced the squad travelling to Estadio del Mediterraneo to face Almeria earlier today and the list featured one notable absentee – Ronald Araujo.
Xavi spoke about the Uruguayan international’s situation in his pre-game press conference yesterday, admitting that the defender was still struggling for fitness.
“Araujo is still injured and tomorrow we will decide, there will be one [rotation] per line,” he said.
The squad list, needless to say, clears the air around the defender’s participation later today, but Javi Miguel reveals that the damage may be far greater.
End of his season?
As reported by the Spanish journalist, Araujo has been suffering from discomfort in the patellar tendon of his right knee for several weeks now and has participated by fighting through the pain.
His situation now, however, is seen with concern and has thus forced the management to give the player much-needed rest.
While Araujo missed the team’s clash last weekend and will not play today either, the report adds that he could well have played his final game for Barcelona this season. As it stands, he aims to return for the Copa America this summer.
Uncertain future
Barcelona have only three games remaining in La Liga, and the Uruguayan’s absence will thus not be a very major blow to Xavi’s plans.
One must remember, however, that Araujo’s future at the Catalan capital is uncertain and that he could, to some possibility, have played his final minutes as a Barcelona player.
As revealed earlier this week, Barcelona are in constant touch with the defender’s entourage to respond to the contract renewal proposal that has been sent. Notably, the new terms include a pay raise as well.
With Bayern Munich keeping close tabs on the player and the Catalans in dire need of a big sale, however, nothing is certain about the captain’s future.
