Barcelona confirm thigh injury for Ronald Araujo

Araujo had been a doubt for Barcelona's opening match of the 2023-24 campaign against Getafe on Sunday, but he played the full 90 minutes of what proved to be a goalless draw.

The Uruguay international has suffered a fresh setback, though, which will rule him out of his side's second game of the new campaign against Cadiz.

"Ronald Araujo has injured his left femoral biceps. He is out and the evolution of his condition will determine his availability," Barcelona said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

According to Mundo Deportivo, due to the nature of the damage, the South American could be on the sidelines for the next month.

Araujo asked to be substituted in Barcelona's final pre-season game against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, although it is unclear whether the new problem is related to that issue.

Should the 24-year-old be out for a month, he would be unavailable for the team's next three league matches against Cadiz, Villarreal and Osasuna ahead of the September international break.

Barcelona are also currently missing Inigo Martinez through injury, with the summer arrival from Athletic Bilbao struggling to overcome a foot problem.

Araujo was restricted to just 31 appearances in all competitions last season, suffering with an adductor problem in the first half of the campaign before returning to action in January.

Amid their financial problems, Barcelona are still working to boost their squad this summer, with Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix currently being linked with a move to the club.

Xavi's side have only managed to make three signings so far this summer, bringing in Oriol Romeu, Ilkay Gundogan and Martinez.

Ousmane Dembele has been their major departure, with the Frenchman moving to Paris Saint-Germain, which has strengthened the club's need to bring in another forward.

Barcelona will be without the services of Raphinha against Cadiz this weekend due to the red card that he picked up against Getafe, which could open the door for Abde Ezzalzouli, Lamine Yamal, Ansu Fati or Ferran Torres to come into the starting side in an attacking area.