Ronald Araujo has been noticeably absent from the pitch for FC Barcelona in recent matches due to ongoing knee discomfort.
The Uruguayan international has missed games against Real Sociedad and UD Almeria, and he only played a brief 28-minute stint as a substitute against Rayo Vallecano last Sunday night.
According to SPORT, Araujo might miss the upcoming clash against Sevilla as well, raising the possibility that he may have already played his final game for Barcelona.
The uncertainty about his participation in the Sevilla match stems from his lingering knee issues, which, although gradually improving, continue to limit his availability.
Araujo’s conversation with the coach emphasized the importance of not taking any risks with his fitness, especially considering his imminent commitment to the Uruguayan national team for the Copa America.
As one of Uruguay’s captains, Araujo’s physical well-being is paramount, and with Barcelona’s season effectively over, the focus has shifted to ensuring he is in peak condition for the international tournament.
Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, Araujo faces an uncertain future at Barcelona. Despite his clear preference to stay at the club, where he feels a deep connection and is happy with his family, financial constraints may force the club to consider selling him. Bayern Munich has expressed significant interest in Araujo, having made a formal offer several weeks ago. Additionally, Manchester United is also reportedly interested in acquiring the defender.
Both Xavi and Deco are keen to retain Araujo, recognizing his importance to the team, and the club has extended a contract offer to him.
However, Araujo has yet to respond to this offer, leaving his future at Barcelona in doubt. The club’s financial situation means that no scenario can be entirely ruled out, and a potential sale might be necessary to balance the books.
If Araujo does leave Barcelona this summer, his last appearance for the club could have been against Rayo Vallecano. After that game, he was photographed on the pitch with several teammates, some of whom are also rumored to be potential departures. This imagery has added to the speculation about his future.
Araujo’s situation encapsulates the broader challenges facing Barcelona, where financial pressures and the need to manage player fitness for international commitments intersect. As the summer unfolds, Araujo’s status will be a key storyline to watch, both for his impact on the field and the financial implications for Barcelona.
Whether he remains a fixture at the Camp Nou or moves on to a new chapter with a club like Bayern Munich or Manchester United, his journey will be closely followed by fans and pundits alike.
