The “FIFA virus” has damaged Barcelona in a difficult way during the current match window, with the main casualty being Ronald Araujo. The defender injured his right thigh at the start of the Uruguay team’s friendly match against Iran on Friday (1:0) and according to reports in the Catalan media, it was decided In the end, he will have surgery in Finland that will disable him for 2-3 months.
At first there was talk of a month and a half out of the field without surgery, under pressure from the team that hoped to use Araujo in Qatar. However, the choice to undergo surgery this Thursday – which was decided in a meeting attended by the player and his representatives, coach Xavi and the club doctor – will result in a longer absence that will prevent him from participating in the World Cup games that will start on November 20.
According to the clause that states that an absence of 28 days due to an injury in an international match qualifies for compensation from FIFA, Barcelona will receive a sum of money for this injury, but his disadvantage is much more significant and now also turns out to be longer than expected.
As I recall, apart from Araujo, Jules Conde and Memphis Depay were also injured last week and will be absent from the pitch for three and four weeks, respectively. Frankie de Jong, Ousmane Dembele and Pedri are also back with minor injuries. All this about three weeks before the Clasico at the Bernabeu, which is officially scheduled today (Monday) for October 16, Sunday at 5:15 p.m.