Ronald Araújo Explains Decision to Undergo Surgery Despite the Possibility of Missing FIFA World Cup

• Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo will undergo surgery this week and could miss the World Cup
• Ronald Araújo was recently injured while representing Uruguay in an international game against Iran
• Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo has set the record straight about why he opted to undergo surgery

Ronald Araújo’s participation at this year’s FIFA World Cup remains doubtful after he agreed to undergo surgery for a thigh injury.

Araújo picked up the injury while on international duty with Uruguay.

Araújo was forced off in the first minute of the game against Iran, and it was initially believed that the injury wasn’t too severe.

Further assessment revealed that Araújo needed surgery which would sideline him for approximately three months. Reports then started doing the rounds that Uruguay wanted him to undergo conservative treatment instead of surgery so that he would be available for the World Cup.

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Barca Universal reported that the Barcelona defender chose surgery and now has explained his decision, dismissing the rumours doing the rounds.

“I want to explain why I made my decision to avoid speculation. I love my country, and I love my team. After consulting with several professionals, we decided that surgical intervention was the best option. Here it is not about choosing one or another, it’s about health and getting back to 100% as soon as possible,” he said.

Araújo added that it was difficult, but he was thankful for everyone supporting him.

As reported by Football Espana, FIFA will compensate Barcelona because the player was injured while on international duty.

According to FIFA’s rules, a club is entitled to compensation once a player is absent for more than 28 days due to injury. Barcelona will receive a daily proportional compensation of approximately €20 000 after October 21 until Araújo returns to action for Barcelona.

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Barcelona defender Jules Kounde hoping to be fit in time to face Real Madrid in El Clasico

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is prepared to do everything possible to recover in time for the first leg of the El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 16, Sports Brief reported.

Kounde is expected to be ruled out of action for several weeks, after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty with France last weekend.

According to SB Nation, the French defender has already spoken to Barcelona manager Xavi about his situation and revealed he will do everything he can to be fit in time for the game against Real Madrid.