Araujo, out for Korea and Portugal clashes, to return against Ghana

In-form Ronald Araujo would be a vital part of the Uruguay squad but, still recovering from his right thigh adductor longus tendon avulsion, he is on their list of absentees. He is ruled out for their World Cup opener against South Korea, but 'Mundo Deportivo', which has ruled him out of the Portugal clash, sees him back against Ghana in their third match.

It's a shame for his team that he won't be able to take the field from the beginning, as his good work at Barcelona had made him one of Uruguay's big stars for this tournament. With him out, his side lose defensive strength, but at least they could have him back for the final group stage event, which may be key to progressing to the knockout stages.

It should be remembered that everything that is happening with the player is being monitored very carefully by the Camp Nou offices, where the priority is for him to arrive in Barcelona without having relapsed and without any more physical problems for the second half of the season. In fact, there is still more than half of the season to go, but the Qatar break has divided the campaign into two parts.

Araujo's presence at the World Cup is also a huge personal disappointment for him. He has become one of his country's best defenders, so it was only right that he should appear at a tournament that every player dreams of in his career. Fortunately, he will get more opportunities if he keeps up the level, and it looks like he will, because he is only 23 years old.