Uruguayan coach pinpoints a possible reason for Barcelona star's injury

In the 2024 Copa America quarterfinal between Uruguay and Brazil, star Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo suffered a muscle injury. In the attempt to block a cross from Arana, the Uruguayan center-back stretched up his hamstring. With only 30 minutes into the electrifying fixture, Marcelo Bielsa had to sub off the defender after the Uruguayan seemed too uncomfortable to continue.

Bielsa pinpoints the major reason for Araujo's injury

Though Uruguay went on to win the tie against Brazil, 5-3 in penalties, the absence of Ronald Araujo in their backline can be crucial as they advance to the semifinals of Copa America 2024. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo after the match, Bielsa expressed his take on Araujo's injury. He said,

""I think Ronald Araujo's injury is a muscle injury that will be confirmed tomorrow when the tests are done.""

- Marcelo Biesla(via Mundo Deportivo)

Further in his media address, the Uruguayan boss laid strict emphasis on the tight schedule that modern football presents to the athletes, multiplying the opportunities of a possible injury,

""It is important to note that when the full season ends, the one that started in August and ended in June, the European season, the players accumulate between 40 and 50 matches. Then comes this competition of playing twice a week""

- Marcelo Biesla(via Mundo Deportivo)

Moreover, Bielsa added,

""All the elite players in Europe play twice a week. One thing is to do it regularly for nine months and another is to repeat that type of effort in the 10th or 11th month. Now those who come from Europe and South America also play twice a week but since February or March. It is a generality that allows us to draw some conclusions,""

- Marcelo Biesla(via Mundo Deportivo)

Bielsa's say on Uruguayan defense

Though the Uruguayan coach seemed visibly infuriated and pinpointed the strict schedule of footballers as a big issue, the coach didn't hesitate to appreciate the effort of Araujo that resulted in an injury.

Talking about the defense of the South American nation so far in the tournament, Bielsa said,

""They played against Mexico, the United States, and Brazil, three rivals that allow us to draw important conclusions, and they did not concede goals. I think that defensively, not because of an issue developed by me but because of the players I am managing, we have to value not having conceded goals,""

- Marcelo Biesla(via Mundo Deportivo)

Taking nothing from his players, the coach remarked,

""Everything that happens is Uruguayan, because it is always the players who give the team its profile,""

- Marcelo Biesla(via Mundo Deportivo)

Recent reports have suggested that Ronald Araujo would be out for 5-6 weeks and that his Copa America has officially ended. The defender's absence will not only hamper his national team's spirit, but Barca seems equally upset as Araujo's injury is a massive setback for the Catalan club.

With Barca in trouble after Pedri suffered a knee sprain against Germany and now Araujo facing a muscle injury, it would be difficult for Hansi Flick as Barca looks to start their 2024/25 campaign in style.