Confirmed: Araujo out for four months as Barcelona hit with major injury blow

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo suffered a hamstring injury on international duty with Uruguay two weeks ago, and the news on his return to the Catalan capital is far from ideal.

It had initially been believed that he might miss six to eight weeks of action, but upon further inspection, it has been determined that Araujo has ruptured a tendon in the back of his thigh. He will require surgery, and will be ruled out for a minimum of four months, but the likelihood is that he will not be back on the pitch until December of next year. Barcelona confirmed the injury on Monday afternoon, and say he will undergo surgery in Finland this week to deal with it.

The injury comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Blaugrana. With two years left on his deal, and no sign of a new one being agreed, Barcelona were likely looking to sell him this summer, but that is likely off the table now. His exit would have brought in needed funds too, which leaves Barcelona scrambling for an alternative plan of action.