In a significant setback for Barcelona, defender Ronald Araujo could be sidelined for approximately three weeks following an injury sustained during their match against Sevilla on February 9. The Uruguayan captain was forced to exit the field in the first half after sustaining an ankle injury from a tackle.
The 25-year-old defender, who started as team captain, had to leave the pitch after just 20 minutes following a severe challenge. Medical reports from AS suggest that Araujo has likely suffered an ankle sprain, with conclusive tests scheduled for Monday to determine the full extent of the injury.
The incident occurred when Sevilla midfielder Saul Niguez made a cynical challenge on Araujo inside Barcelona’s penalty area. Despite receiving immediate medical attention and attempting to continue, Araujo couldn’t carry on, leading to his replacement by 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi.
This injury comes as particularly concerning for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, as Araujo had only recently made his third league appearance this season. The defender, who had just signed a contract extension and opted to stay with the club during the January transfer window, had previously missed substantial playing time due to hamstring issues.
With both Araujo and Andreas Christensen now sidelined, Flick’s defensive options are limited to Eric Garcia, Inigo Martinez, and young Cubarsi. The coaching staff remains hopeful for Araujo’s swift recovery, given his crucial role in the team’s defensive lineup.
Barcelona Triumph Despite Setbacks
Despite the early defensive blow, Barcelona secured an impressive 4-1 victory over Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, reducing their gap with league leaders Real Madrid to just two points. The catalans showed remarkable resilience, even after being reduced to ten men.
Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring with his 19th league goal, though Sevilla’s Ruben Vargas quickly equalized. Substitute Fermin Lopez made an immediate impact with a goal shortly after halftime, followed by Raphinha’s strike in the 55th minute. Even after Lopez’s red card, Barcelona maintained their dominance, with Eric Garcia sealing the win with a header in the closing minutes.
The victory showcased Barcelona’s depth and determination, proving they can overcome significant challenges while maintaining their title chase. However, Araujo’s injury presents a new obstacle as they enter a crucial phase of the season.
Football fans can follow Barcelona’s journey through this challenging period and stay updated on Araujo’s recovery progress through official club channels and match coverage.
