Barcelona star picks up injury before Cadiz clash
- Araujo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury
- Reports in Spain expect defender to miss around a month of action
- Inigo Martinez has returned to training
By Tom Gott
Barcelona have confirmed that centre-back Ronald Araujo is set for a period on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring.
Araujo played 90 minutes at right-back during Barcelona's season-opener against Getafe, helping out in what has become a troublesome area for head coach Xavi.
The boss may have to get even more creative for the foreseeable future as Barcelona confirmed Araujo suffered a hamstring injury in training which will almost certainly see him miss this weekend's game against Cadiz.
Worryingly, numerous reports in Spain believe Araujo could be facing around a month on the sidelines.
Should those reports prove accurate, Araujo would also miss fixtures against Villarreal, Osasuna and Real Betis, while the opening game of the Champions League group stage is scheduled for the weekend of 19 September.
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Fortunately for Xavi, he was able to call on centre-back Inigo Martinez during training on Thursday.
The 32-year-old joined on a free transfer from Athletic Club this summer but has been out with an injury of his own, but Martinez now appears close to making his debut for Xavi's side.
Right-back is an area of concern for Xavi, who has publicly pleaded with those in charge to make a signing. Currently, Sergi Roberto is the only natural fit, with Sergino Dest expected to be sold in the coming weeks.
Roberto has struggled for minutes under Xavi, who preferred to use either Araujo or Jules Kounde at right-back last season, but may be thrust back into the spotlight now.
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