Barcelona star ruled out for four months as Hansi Flick suffers first major blow - Reports
Barcelona star Ronald Araujo will reportedly be ruled out for four months which will be a major blow to manager Hansi Flick. As claimed by journalist Javi Miguel via Barca Times on X, the Uruguay international will spend the next four months on the sidelines.
The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring injury while representing Uruguay in Copa America 2024. The initial reports did not look positive at all and it was later revealed that he would require surgery.
As reported by Marca via Football Espana, Araujo has flown to Finland with Barcelona medical staff working alongside surgeon Lasse Lempainen. The report also claims that the Blaugrana will receive around €2.5 million in compensation from FIFA.
Araujo has been a key player for Barcelona since joining the Catalan giants in 2018 from Boston River. He has made 150 appearances for the club to date and has established himself as one of the best players in his position.
The 20-time capped Uruguayan defender has won three trophies during his time at Camp Nou including one La Liga title. He made 37 appearances across competitions for Xavi Hernandez's side last season and also registered one goal and two assists.
Araujo's absence will be a huge blow to Hansi Flick as he prepares for his first season in charge at Barcelona. Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Pau Cubarsi, and Inigo Martinez are all among the options to deputized. Meanwhile, Eric Garcia and Clement Lenglet have also returned from their loan spells.
Barcelona looking to make a permanent move for player who spent the last season on loan at the club: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly looking to make the loan signing of Joao Cancelo permanent during the summer transfer window. As reported by Todo Fichajes, the Blaugrana will shift their focus to Cancelo as soon as they secure the signature of their priority target Nico Williams.
Cancelo is represented by Jorge Mendes who will reportedly make a deal possible between €20-30 million. The Portugal international is contracted at Manchester City until the summer of 2027 and clearly has no future at the club.
He was formerly a key player for the Cityzens but reportedly fell out with Pep Guardiola during the 2022-23 season. He spent the second half of that season on loan at Bayern Munich and was on the books of Barca last time out. Cancelo had a decent season with the Blaugrana as he scored four goals and provided five assists in 42 appearances across competitions.