Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has sustained a muscle injury and won’t be available to face Napoli on Thursday.
The 22-year-old was forced off the pitch during the break of Sunday’s derby against Espanyol. The Catalans have now confirmed that the 22-year-old has sustained a muscle injury that will force him out of action against the Partenopei on Thursday.
“Tests this Monday morning have confirmed that Ronald Araujo has pulled the soleus muscle in his left leg, and will be unavailable until the problem clears up,” the club statement read.
“The centre back played the first 45 minutes of Sunday’s game at Espanyol in the RCDE Stadium, but was unable to return to the field after the break.
“Araujo was replaced by Èric Garcia, who hence made his first appearance for five weeks after overcoming his own fitness concerns.”
Araujo played 26 games across all competitions this term, scoring three goals. He was promoted to the senior team in 2020 and has collected 65 appearances with the senior Barcelona team.
Napoli also confirmed muscle injuries to two of their regular starters this morning. Both Matteo Politano and Stanis Lobotka won’t travel to Barcelona after sustaining physical issues during Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Inter on Saturday.
The Partenopei sit third in the Serie A table with 53 points in 25 matches. Barcelona on the other hand, are in the race for a top-four finish in Spain and have collected 39 points in 23, as many as Atletico Madrid.
LATEST NEWS | Tests carried out this Monday morning have confirmed that @RonaldAraujo_4 has pulled the soleus muscle in his left leg. His recovery will determine his availability. pic.twitter.com/eARBmSCAEr
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 14, 2022
Look, IMHO, it would be a bad look for Napoli and Serie-A if they can’t “take care” of this banged up Barcelona team, which could be one of their worst team in two decades.
Even with this kind of team, Barca will win.