BARCELONA
Why did Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo go off against Celta Vigo? Will he play against Napoli in the Champions League?
Uruguayan Araújo was replaced by Iñigo Martínez at half time, sparking fears he had suffered an injury before travelling to Italy.
After being an unused substitute in the 3-3 draw with Granada, defender Ronald Araújo returned to the Barcelona starting lineup for Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo, but only played the first half, sparking speculation he had suffered an injury just four days before the first leg of the Champions League round-of-16 tie against Napoli.
Neither Araújo and Pedri nor injured despite being replaced in Vigo
The Uruguayan lined up alongside teenager Pau Cubarsí in the opening 45 minutes but was replaced at the break by Iñigo Martínez, who bizarrely wasn’t ready to come on despite having the whole of the half-time interval to get ready to do so.
Speaking to broadcaster DAZN after the game, Barça head coach Xavi Hernández revealed that neither Araújo nor Pedri, who was replaced with 15 minutes to go as the Catalans chased the game, had suffered injuries, adding that the defender had been taken off as a precaution.
According to journalist Javi Miguel, the 24 year old will be available to play against Napoli.
Wednesday’s clash against the Italians will be Barcelona’s first in the knockout stages of the Champions League in three years, when they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 in 2020-21. Prior to this season, they had been eliminated in the group stage two years running.