Barcelona provide update on Araujo injury

Barcelona have confirmed that tests carried out earlier on Monday have revealed that Ronald Araujo has suffered from an ankle sprain. While the injury does not seem too serious, he will most likely miss the first leg of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Sevilla. The defender hobbled off the pitch just eleven minutes into Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Real Betis on Sunday.

Araujo has been instrumental to Barcelona’s recent form, with the Catalans remaining unbeaten in every league game he has started. Against Betis, the Uruguayan started his 15th consecutive game and had played every single minute of the last nine matches. In the early stages of the game, Araujo dispossessed Nabil Fekir but got his left boot stuck in the turf while playing the pass forward. The youngster looked to be in immediate discomfort after a nasty ankle twist and was subbed off.

The 21-year-old who was only promoted to the first team from Barcelona B has been a revelation for Ronald Koeman’s side. With Gerard Pique sidelined due to a knee injury for an extended period of time, Araujo has become a mainstay in the Barcelona backline. Over the course of the past month, the Uruguayan has played over 900 minutes, including some extremely intense matches in the cup competitions that went to extra time. Barcelona are unbeaten in the league when Araujo has started.

Barcelona now have two crucial matches coming up. They will face Sevilla on Wednesday for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. And in just over a week’s time, they will host Paris Saint Germain for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie. Barring a miracle, Araujo will miss the trip to Seville, but Barcelona will be hoping he recovers in time for the PSG clash.