Ronald Araújo could make Barcelona return after night in hospital
Ronald Araújo left the field in an ambulance against Celta Vigo on Tuesday, but Xavi says the Barcelona defender could play again on Sunday.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo is a shock contender to face Getafe on Sunday – just five days after suffering a head injury that caused him to spend a night in hospital.
The 23-year-old Uruguayan suffered a heavy blow in Tuesday’s 3-1 LaLiga win against Celta Vigo, clashing heads with team-mate Gavi shortly after the hour mark.
Both sets of players urged medical staff to come onto the field, and Araújo received around 10 minutes of treatment before leaving the pitch in an ambulance.
Xavi said after the match that Araujo was “conscious and out of danger”, and his discharge from hospital was confirmed on Wednesday.
Araújo concussed
Barcelona stated on Tuesday that Araújo had suffered concussion, which is a brain injury.
In England, Football Association rules stipulate that any player with concussion should not be allowed to play again for at least six days; however, Barcelona believe Araujo could be ready to feature in Spain’s LaLiga after coming through training with team-mates.
“Araujo wants to play,” Xavi said on Saturday. “For us that means a lost. At no time was he unconscious, and he wants to play. He wants to be with us.
“I am moved by the commitment he has. The feelings on the training field are very good. He was not unconscious and in that sense it is important so that he can be there tomorrow.”
Araújo posted on Twitter on Friday: “Thank God everything went well and it was nothing serious. Thank you all for your support. Blessings!”
The Uruguay international has played 42 times this term, totalling 3,181 minutes on the field – only Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Frenkie de Jong have played more minutes among outfield Barcelona players.