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2 months ago
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The injury of Ronald Araujo during Copa America is set to have major implications in Barcelona’s squad-building process this summer.
Everything suggests the Uruguayan international is all set to undergo surgery and could be out until the end of the year, striking a major in Barcelona’s depth in the defensive unit.
Araujo’s extended period on the sidelines could impact the future of certain players in the team, including Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia.
Martinez and Garcia to stay at Barcelona
According to a recent update from AS, it seems both Garcia and Martinez will remain at Barcelona this summer, especially following Araujo’s injury.
For the past few weeks, both players were facing an uncertain future at Barça. Martinez, for his part, is not even a registered member of the first team, whereas Garcia’s prospects appeared slim despite an excellent loan spell at Girona.
Eric Garcia may continue at Barcelona next season (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)However, it seems new coach Hansi Flick is ready to retain the services of both players, in an effort to maintain the defensive depth in the squad.
Although Martinez is still not registered in the first team, the Spaniard has given Barcelona its blessing and is willing to wait, despite having an option to unilaterally terminate his contract.
Garcia, meanwhile, has shown tremendous promise at Girona and could emerge as one of Barça’s rising stars next season.
What about Ronald Araujo?
Araujo’s injury will have implications on the player’s own future as well. The defender, after all, was one of Barça’s biggest candidates for a sale.
Clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich were interested in the services of the Uruguayan international, whose soaring market value was favouring Barcelona.
But following his injury, the idea of a sale is now completely off the table. The Barcelona staff, for the time being, will help Araujo focus on his recovery, as the defender looks to return to action by the end of the year.
