Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo will be sidelined for around four months after deciding to undergo surgery on a hamstring problem, sources confirmed to ESPN.
Araújo, 25, was injured in Uruguay's quarter-final win over Brazil at the Copa América and missed the rest of the tournament.
After consulting with the Barça medical team, he has now decided to undergo surgery for the muscle injury.
The Catalan club have not specified how long he will be out of action, but sources told ESPN he is unlikely to return until around November.
“Tests carried out at the Ciutat Esportiva have confirmed that Araujo has an injury to his right hamstring,” Barça said in a statement on Monday.
“He will undergo surgery under the supervision of the club's medical staff in Finland, led by Dr Lasse Lempainen. A medical report will be released following the operation.”
Barca returned to pre-season this past week under new manager Hansi Flick and will begin the 2024-25 LaLiga campaign at Valencia on August 17.
The injury setback comes amid ongoing doubts about Araújo's future at Barça.
ESPN revealed earlier this year that Barca are open to offers for the centre-back after he entered the final two years of his contract this month.
Negotiations to extend his contract beyond its expiry in 2026 have not progressed, although there is reported interest from Bayern Munich and the Premier League.
Barça, therefore, aware that his value will decrease as the end of his contract approaches, are considering a transfer this summer.
