Héctor Bellerín out for El Clásico; Ronald Araújo set to miss World Cup
The right-back has picked up a calf injury and is ruled out of El Clásico. The Uruguayan has undergone surgery in Finland.
Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday that defender Héctor Bellerín has picked up a calf injury. AS understands Bellerín will be out for 3-4 weeks and is ruled out of El Clásico on October 16. Bellerín’s injury leaves Xavi without many options right-back after the injuries to key players Jules Koundé and Ronald Araújo, who have both played in the position. The good news for Xavi is that he hopes to have the experienced Sergi Roberto back for the LaLiga clash with Mallorca, although the defence once again looks thin on the ground.
Araújo undergoes operation in Finland
Barça defender Ronald Araújo has undergone an operation in Turku, Finland, for a thigh problem picked up on international duty with Uruguay. The Catalan club reported that the centre-back “underwent successful surgery this morning for an avulsion of the adductor longus tendon in the right thigh. The operation was carried out by Dr Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the club’s medical services, in Turku (Finland).” However, Barça did not give any time period for the injury. The Uruguayan centre-back is almost certain to miss the World Cup and Barça expect him to return for the last game of the 2022 season, the derby against Espanyol.