Xavi gives Araujo the green light to go to the WC

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez stressed on Monday at a press conference the "good relationship" they have with the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) and coach Diego Alonso, with whom he is "in constant communication" to deal with the injury of centre-back Ronald Araujo.

"We have spoken and we are in constant communication, also with Diego, with whom we have a good relationship and, in the end, we will decide together," he said when asked about the arrival of the Uruguayan coach in the Catalan capital to assess first-hand the possibility of calling up the Barça defender for the World Cup in Qatar.

Araujo underwent surgery on 28th September for an avulsion of the adductor longus tendon in his right thigh, an operation that seriously jeopardises his participation in the World Cup.

However, Xavi, who has already expressed his support for the centre-back to be called up to the Uruguay squad, even without medical clearance, because psychologically it could be beneficial for him, does not rule out Araujo being able to play in this tournament with his national team.

"I wish he could make it, but the most important thing, for the club and for his national team, is that he recovers well. In the end, it is the player who decides. It's all about talking to him and to the federation's doctors. That's why I think it's important to have good communication with them," concluded the Barcelona coach.