Uruguay manager provides fitness update on Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo | OneFootball

Uruguay manager Diego Alonso has provided an update on the fitness of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo ahead of the South American giants’ FIFA World Cup 2022 opener against South Korea tomorrow.

The 23-year-old Araujo has been named in the Uruguay squad for the World Cup despite him still not fully recovering after undergoing surgery in late September.

It had been reported at the time that the centre-back could be sidelined for as long as two and a half months. But, Araujo has pushed himself to be fit for the World Cup and has already resumed training in parts.

And Alonso has provided a positive update on the former Boston River defender’s fitness, stating that he is getting better with each day, although Araujo will not be involved in the first match against South Korea.

“In principle, Ronald is working better and better every day, he is evolving. It is the body that will tell us when he is fit. He is evolving and we are very happy with how he is doing,” Alonso said in a press conference, as quoted by MARCA.

“The condition of the players is exceptional. They have consciously prepared for this World Cup, for every single moment. With the exception of Araujo, who is making good progress, I don’t have any player who isn’t in the best condition to compete at 100%”.

While Araujo is progressing well, the defender is unlikely to be risked by Uruguay early in the competition. Indeed, reports suggest that the South American nation have an agreement with Barcelona to use the defender only after the group stages.

There had been suspicion that the 23-year-old could be rushed back for the second group game against Portugal. But the final call will only be made based on Araujo’s feeling as well as the feedback from the Barcelona physio who has travelled with the defender to Qatar.