Barcelona have announced that defender Ronald Araujo will undergo surgery on Wednesday, without specifying a possible return date for the 23-year-old.
According to the club, the operation of the thigh injury will be carried out in Turku, Finland, with his World Cup hopes in the balance.
Araujo suffered the injury last week Friday in a friendly match for his country against Iran and was replaced in the 5th minute of the first half by Hertha Berlin’s Agustin Rogel.
The Uruguayan, a key Barca player has made 7 appearances in all competition for Barcelona this term and 89 overall since arriving from Boston River, a club in his home country.
Reacting to the news, Araujo said the decision to go under the knife is not about “choosing between his club or his country”.
“I want to make clear the reasons why I made my decision, to avoid speculation. I love my country and I love my team.
“After consulting with several professionals, we decided that surgical intervention is the best option. Here it is not about choosing one or the other, it is about health and getting back to 100% as soon as possible.
“Personally, these are very difficult times and I take this opportunity to thank everyone for the support I am receiving. With faith and hard work I will do my best to return as quickly as possible.”
Uruguay will begin their World Cup campaign on November 24 against South Korea in Group H, before squaring off against Portugal and Ghana.
