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<figure><img src="https://media.zenfs.com/en/barca_universal_articles_732/777adf653956d61470534cd41d875880" /></figure>
<p>Ronald Araujo could miss Uruguay&#8217;s opening World Cup match against Saudi Arabia, with the Barcelona defender dealing with a minor fitness issue and illness in the lead-up to the tournament.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20260607/1004192298/dudas-araujo-debut-mundial.html">Mundo Deportivo</a>, Araujo did not train with the rest of the Uruguay squad in their last session before travelling to the United States.</p>
<p>The 27-year-old is suffering from a slight muscle strain, which is not considered serious, but Uruguay have started preventive treatment to avoid any risk.</p>
<p>The situation is further complicated by the fact that Araujo also has flu symptoms, including fever. This has slowed down his progress.</p>
<h2>Uruguay expected to be cautious</h2>
<p><img src="https://media.zenfs.com/en/barca_universal_articles_732/dcb60d28585de61b806c9beb29e13c9f" /></p>
<p>Araujo may not miss opening match of World Cup. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)</p>
<p>As things stand, Araujo could begin the World Cup on the bench, with Guillermo Varela set to take his place in Marcelo Bielsa&#8217;s starting XI.</p>
<p>The 27-year-old is an important player for his country and, even from a Barcelona perspective, it makes sense not to take a risk with him before he is fully ready.</p>
<p>Uruguay are expected to use him as a right-back in the tournament, and that role demands a lot from a player physically. Thus, managing a muscle strain has to be done with caution.</p>
<p>The encouraging part is that it does not seem like a major issue. The concern is more about the timing than the severity.</p>
<h2>Bigger tests await Araujo</h2>
<p><img src="https://media.zenfs.com/en/barca_universal_articles_732/865c761f9c8a3cb64fa8de99b0509a1f" /></p>
<p>World Cup to be a litmus test for Araujo. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)</p>
<p>Araujo is expected to fully recover for Uruguay&#8217;s second match against Cape Verde on June 22 and the crucial game against Spain on June 27.</p>
<p>The Spain match, in particular, could decide which of the South American and European nations secure top spot in Group H, and Bielsa will want Araujo for that game.</p>
<p>For Araujo, the priority is simple: to recover properly, avoid any setback and take part in the important matches for his nation.</p>
<p>An important summer transfer window and <a href="https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-do-not-want-to-sell-star-defender-despite-diminished-role-heres-why/" target="_blank">season lie ahead of him from a Barcelona</a> perspective, and he will hope that injuries do not return to deter his progress.</p>

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