Barcelona defender facing a dilemma over whether to undergo surgery after injury

Ronald Araujo is one of many Barcelona players who have picked injuries since the start of the international break, joining a list that includes Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay and Jules Kounde.

The Uruguayan international picked up a thigh injury during the international friendly against Iran, which raises serious fears over his potential absence in the coming months.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Araujo’s injury is quite serious as the defender broke his right adductor. The player now faces a major dilemma in regard to his recovery process that may be handled in two different ways.

Araujo can ideally undergo surgery that could go a long way in helping him recover from his knock. However, with the FIFA World Cup just around the corner, surgery could see him miss out on the coveted tournament.

Another option is a conservative treatment that does not involve surgery. In theory, this method is much faster than surgery. But it does not guarantee that the player will return to full fitness, as evidenced by Ansu Fati’s botched treatment.

It has left Araujo in a difficult situation, where the defender must choose a method of treatment in his bid to become available for the World Cup. At the same time, he is risking aggravating his injury that could potentially haunt him for the rest of his career.

Dr Ferran Abat Gonzalez, who is a well-known figure in sports traumatology and orthopaedic surgery, said about Araujo’s injury:

“According to the statement, Araujo has an adductor tendon avulsion. If it is an adductor injury, recovery times can be shortened, but if it really is an adductor avulsion, it is an injury that requires surgery, which would force him to spend under the knife and he would miss the World Cup.” 

Sources close to the player suggest a decision has to be made within the next 48 hours. In the meantime, the medical team is waiting for the tear to reveal itself more clearly. It would ultimately help Araujo make a more conclusive decision.

Barcelona, for their part, are expected to play a key role in the decision, knowing Araujo’s prolonged absence could serve as a massive blow to the club’s chances, both in La Liga and in the UEFA Champions League.