Barcelona superstar ruled out until December after undergoing surgery: Reports
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has reportedly been ruled out until December after suffering a thigh injury during Uruguay’s Copa America 2024 campaign. This is according to Sport journalist Toni Juanmarti (via @ReshadFCB on X).
According to an official statement from Barcelona, Araujo has suffered a tendon injury in his right hamstring. He will undergo surgery in Finland, following which, the club will provide an update on his recovery.
“Tests carried out at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper have shown that the first team player Ronald Araujo has a tendon injury in his right hamstring,” the statement read.
“In the coming days he will undergo a surgical procedure at the hands of Dr. Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the Club’s medical staff, in Turku, Finland. When the procedure has been completed, there will be another medical update," it added.
Araujo’s Copa America campaign ended after he sustained the injury during Uruguay’s quarter-final clash against Brazil on Saturday, July 6. He was replaced in the 33rd minute of the game by Atletico Madrid’s Jose Maria Gimenez.
Araujo was initially expected to miss about two months of the upcoming 2024-25 season with Barcelona. However, tests have revealed the true extent of the injury, and the centre-back will be out for considerably longer.
The 25-year-old is the latest player to be added to a growing list of injured stars for Barcelona ahead of new manager Hansi Flick’s debut season. Midfielders Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong are also currently recovering from their respective injuries.
Additionally, Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez will also miss the beginning of the campaign as they are part of Spain’s team for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
Fabrizio Romano issues an update on Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has issued an update on Barcelona’s pursuit of Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams. The 22-year-old was one of the breakout stars of the 2023-24 season and continued his fine form at Euro 2024 in Germany, helping Spain clinch their record fourth title.
Williams recorded eight goals and 19 assists across 37 appearances for Bilbao last season, helping the Basque club finish fifth in the league and clinch their 24th Copa del Rey title. He also registered two goals, including the opener in the final against England, and an assist at Euro 2024.
Williams' performances have put him on the radar of a number of big clubs, with the Catalan giants among the favorites to land his signature.
In his latest update, Romano posted on X:
“Barcelona are prepared to advance in talks with Nico Williams' camp starting from this week, as salary structure is key factor to move forward. Hansi Flick has already approved Nico as top target for this summer. Timing is key as Premier League clubs are also there.”
Barca president Joan Laporta also discussed the club's interest in Williams recently, saying that the club are in a position to complete the signing.