Barcelona defender rejoins national team camp after specialised treatment in Spain

Ronald Araujo has returned to Uruguay’s national team camp after undergoing specialised treatment in Barcelona, but questions surrounding his fitness remain one of the biggest talking points ahead of the World Cup.

The Barcelona defender travelled back to Spain earlier this week after suffering discomfort in his calf during international duty. 

While the injury is not considered serious, the episode has attracted attention due to the growing concerns inside Barcelona regarding how the situation was managed by Uruguay’s coaching staff.

Now back with the national team, Araujo has spoken publicly for the first time about his condition and his hopes of being available for the tournament.

Araujo provides update on his recovery

Upon arriving in Uruguay, Araujo confirmed that his trip to Barcelona was purely focused on receiving treatment from medical professionals he knows and trusts.

Araujo has provided positive update. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Speaking about the situation, the defender was quoted by SPORT as saying, “I have a minor calf injury, which is why I went for treatment.”

The Barcelona centre-back also moved to calm fears that the problem was linked to excessive physical demands during training.

“It’s all been very controlled,” he added.

Furthermore, when asked about the diagnosis, the defender preferred to leave the explanation to the medical staff, stating, 

“Hopefully the doctor will come and explain it.”

Barcelona are frustrated

Araujo has rejoined the national team camp. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

While Araujo’s comments will reassure Barcelona, the situation continues to be monitored closely by the Blaugrana.

This is because the Catalan club were unhappy with the handling of the defender’s workload after he arrived at Uruguay’s training camp carrying calf swelling. 

Barcelona had advised Uruguay’s coaching staff to manage the player carefully and follow a separate training programme during the opening days of camp.

However, the coaching staff at the national team camp did not follow the set protocols, which has frustrated those at Barcelona.