Araujo joins Kounde on injury list as Barcelona´s defensive problems grow

Barcelona have confirmed Ronald Araujo suffered a thigh injury while on international duty with Uruguay, adding to the Blaugrana’s defensive problems after Jules Kounde sustained a hamstring injury.

Araujo was substituted just five minutes into Uruguay’s 1-0 friendly loss to Iran in Austria on Friday, having pulled up less than a minute into the match. 

Earlier on Friday, the French Football Federation announced Jules Kounde was to leave Didier Deschamps’ squad after being replaced during their Nations League win over Austria on Thursday.

Barcelona have now revealed the nature of the duo’s injuries, with Araujo suffering an avulsion fracture in his right thigh and Kounde having a biceps femoris injury in his left hamstring.

A statement from the Blaugrana did not specify a timeframe for the return of either defender, but reports in Spain have suggested both could be out of action for around a month.

Losing both Araujo and Kounde for any significant period of time would be a major blow for Xavi, who has made the pair defensive mainstays in his new-look team.

Araujo has started all six of Barca’s fixtures in LaLiga this season, while Kounde – who has filled in at right-back since his move from Sevilla – has recorded two assists in three league outings for the Catalan giants.

LATEST NEWS | Tests on Saturday morning have confirmed that Ronald Araujo has a right adductor longus tendon avulsion. As a result he is unavailable for selection until he recovers. pic.twitter.com/apf6RV8syi

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 24, 2022