Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo will not feature in Uruguay’s upcoming World Cup 2026 group match against Spain.
Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that Araujo is ruled out due to an injury that was present when he arrived at the tournament and worsened during training sessions.
Araujo has already missed Uruguay’s first two group games against Cape Verde and New Zealand because of this injury. Bielsa acknowledged that “something is wrong” with the player’s condition.
In addition to Araujo, midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta is also unavailable for the match against Spain due to injury. Neither is expected to play in the Friday fixture in Mexico.
Uruguay have drawn both group matches so far and still have a chance to advance to the knockouts, though their encounter with Spain presents a difficult challenge.
Araujo missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury and now hopes his team progresses so he can return for the knockout stages.
