Araujo flew from Montevideo to Madrid on Sunday night for an express treatment session with a trusted physiotherapist for a minor calf muscle issue, returning overnight to rejoin the Uruguay squad on Tuesday before travelling with the group to their World Cup base in Playa del Carmen, according to Javier De Leon of Mundo Deportivo.
Analysis:
Araujo underwent the treatment in coordination with Barcelona's medical services and the AUF, with the sole objective of accelerating his recovery and ensuring he is fully available to coach Marcelo Bielsa as quickly as possible. The AUF confirmed the target is to have their captain available for Uruguay's group stage fixture against Spain on June 26, with the carefully managed approach reflecting the importance they place on having one of their most important defender fit and ready for the tournament's most anticipated clash. Jose Maria Gimenez (ankle) and Sebastian Caceres (concussion) have been managing issues ahead of the tournament but could pair in the opener against Saudi Arabia. Santi Bueno remains also a possible option to start in central defense for the Celeste.
