Barcelona mainstay could return from injury for Champions League opener vs Royal Antwerp

Very early into the new season, Barcelona were dealt a major injury setback as they lost their defensive mainstay Ronald Araujo to a thigh injury.

The Uruguayan international sustained the injury in training after the opening game of the campaign against Getafe, following which reports suggested that Araujo could be sidelined for five weeks.

Araujo has since missed three games against Cadiz, Villarreal, and Osasuna, but his return could be on the horizon as per fresh updates.

Araujo could make a comeback vs Royal Antwerp

Indeed, as per journalist Adria Albets, Araujo could make his comeback from injury for Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League group-stage opener against Royal Antwerp.

The report states that the 24-year-old, who is one of four captains for Barça this season, needs around 15 days to recover fully and make a return for the club.

As such, Araujo, who has not travelled to play for Uruguay during the ongoing international break, is unlikely to be back in time for Barcelona’s next La Liga game against Real Betis on September 16.

Instead, the centre-back’s return is expected for the Group H encounter against Royal Antwerp, whom the Blaugrana play on September 19 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Selection dilemma for Xavi?

Araujo’s imminent return soon after the international break is certainly good news for Xavi Hernandez and Barcelona.

However, it is bound to create some sort of selection dilemma for the manager.

Xavi had been using the pairing of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen at centre-back with Araujo slotting in at right-back prior to his injury.

But with Joao Cancelo arriving, the right-back slot is taken and given the way Kounde has been performing, it is hard to displace him either.

As such, the manager might have to decide between Araujo and Christensen once the former makes his full recovery.