Barcelona suffer Ronald Araujo injury blow at Copa America 2024

Barcelona have been handed an injury concern after Ronald Araujo was forced off in Uruguay's Copa America quarter-final against Brazil.

The Blaugrana have already felt the effects of one major tournament after Pedri picked up a knee injury in Spain's quarter-final success over Germany at Euro 2024.

Pedri sustained the injury following a heavy challenge by Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, forcing the Spaniard to make way for Dani Olmo in the eighth minute.

Having been diagnosed with a "grade two internal lateral sprain in his left knee", Pedri is now in a race against time to be ready for the start of the 2023-24 season.

The Blaugrana have now been dealt another major blow after Araujo picked up an apparent hamstring injury in Saturday's Copa America clash between Uruguay and Brazil at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

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Araujo sustains hamstring injury at Copa America

The defender was treated by Uruguay's medical staff, before being replaced by Atletico Madrid's Jose Maria Gimenez in the 33rd minute.

Marcelo Bielsa's side experienced more adversity when Nahitan Nandez was sent off in the 74th minute, forcing them to protect the goalless draw and send the tie to penalties.

Uruguay ultimately held their nerve to claim a 4-2 victory in the shootout after Brazil's Eder Militao and Douglas Luiz failed to convert their spot kicks.

While they can now look forward to a semi-final tie against Colombia, Uruguay's celebratory mood will be slightly tempered by the loss of one of their key defenders.

Speaking after the game, Bielsa told reporters: "I think Araujo's injury is a muscular one, which will be confirmed tomorrow when the tests are done."

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Defender set to miss start of season

According to journalist Javi Miguel, Araujo is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks, ruling him out of Barcelona's pre-season schedule.

Araujo is also poised to miss the start of the 2024-25 season, with Barcelona set to kick off their campaign with an away game against Valencia on August 17.

The hamstring issue could keep him sidelined until the end of the summer transfer window, which could ensure that he remains with the Catalan giants despite the recent uncertainty surrounding his future.

He has been linked with a move away from Hansi Flick's side, amid links with Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United.