Ronald Araujo's injury in the Copa America has been confirmed by a statement from Uruguay

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has been confirmed to have suffered a hamstring injury while playing against Uruguay in the Copa America.

Araujo was sent off just 33 minutes into the match between Uruguay and Brazil in the quarter finals at the weekend. His side went on to win on penalties against the heavily favored Selecao, but the 25-year-old's campaign is over.

A statement from the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) explained: “In the 2024 Copa America quarter-final match against Brazil, footballer Ronald Araujo had to be withdrawn due to a physical problem. After an examination, it was confirmed that it was a hamstring injury.”

After the match, reports estimated that Araujo, who was promoted to captain of Barcelona, ​​spent two months last season. That will keep him out until early September.

Araujo faced a similar problem last August, when he missed a large number of games in 2022/23 due to absence due to calf and hip injuries.

The defender looks set to miss all pre-season games, including friendlies against Manchester City, Real Madrid and AC Milan in the United States. If the recovery rates are correct, he could be out until the September international break, meaning he misses Barcelona's first four games of the new La Liga season – against Valencia, Athletic Club, Rayo Vallecano and Real Valladolid.

Injuries come as a surprise to new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick as he understands the squad he has and how he wants to play with his ideal team.

La Masia graduate Pau Cubarsi was a key member of the first team midway through last season. Andreas Christensen, Inigo Martinez, Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde are other defenders at the club. Clement Lenglet has also returned from a two-year loan but is not expected to stay.

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