Barcelona Defender Ronald Araujo Suffers Ankle Injury in Match Against Real Madrid
Madrid, Spain – November 26, 2023 – Barcelona center-back Ronald Araujo sustained an ankle injury during Sunday’s El Clásico match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The injury occurred following a tackle from Real Madrid assistant coach Fredrik Ljungberg during a sideline altercation in the 69th minute. Initial assessments suggest a significant sprain,possibly sidelining the Uruguayan international for an extended period.
The incident unfolded as tensions flared near the touchline. Following a contested play,Araujo and Ljungberg became embroiled in a heated exchange,culminating in a tackle by the former Arsenal player that left Araujo clutching his right ankle. Medical staff promptly attended too the defender, and he was subsequently substituted off for Íñigo Martínez. The exact nature and severity of the injury are still under evaluation, with Barcelona confirming that Araujo will undergo further tests on Monday to determine the full extent of the damage.
Araujo’s absence represents a substantial blow to Barcelona’s defensive line. The 24-year-old has been a key figure in Xavi Hernández’s team, known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and ability to neutralize opposing attackers. His potential absence could force Barcelona to reshuffle their backline, with Martínez and Jules Koundé likely candidates to fill the void. The club faces a challenging run of fixtures in December, including crucial Champions League matches and La liga encounters, making Araujo’s recovery timeline a critical concern.
Ljungberg, who joined Real Madrid as an assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti in 2023, has not yet publicly commented on the incident. Real Madrid officials have also refrained from issuing a statement. The Spanish Football Federation may review the incident to determine if any disciplinary action is warranted.
