A member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has emerged as a doubt to feature in his country’s opener at the World Cup.

The Blaugrana star in question? Ronald Araújo.

Defender Araújo was afforded an expected place in Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay squad for the summer’s international showpiece, tipped to play a leading role at the heart of the Celeste’s backline.

During training on Saturday, however, the 27-year-old suffered a blow on the fitness front.

‘The defender was absent from the final training session before travelling to the United States after suffering a muscle strain.’

It is added that the issue is not a serious one, but the Uruguayan medical staff are keen to take absolutely no risks with a key figure in the dressing room and on the pitch alike.

Also suffering with a bout of illness, Araújo could therefore be rested for his country’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on June 15th.

Conor Laird – GSFN

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo: