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Barcelona have been hit by a major injury blow, as their star defender and third captain, Ronald Araujo, has been sidelined for an unknown period of time with a hamstring injury. The club announced the news on Thursday after the Uruguayan international felt discomfort during the La Liga opener against Getafe last week.
Last Tuesday's Joan Gamper Trophy match between Tottenham and Araujo saw Araujo leave after only 30 minutes due to a muscle problem, but he was later deemed fit enough to play the full 90 minutes of the La Liga season opener against Getafe. He underwent medical tests on Friday, which revealed that he had a problem with his left hamstring. The club did not specify the extent of the injury or the recovery time, but it is expected that he will miss at least three weeks of action.
Also read: Barcelona express discomfort to play against Villarreal despite ongoing heat wave
“Ronald Araujo has injured the femoral biceps in the hamstring of his left leg and will be unavailable for selection until the injury clears up.” The club said in a statement.
This means that Araujo will be unavailable for Barcelona's upcoming games against Cadiz, Villarreal, and Osasuna, which means Barcelona might not see Araujo back until after the September international break.
Captain Reece James picks up hamstring injury as Chelsea dealt major blow: Reports
Chelsea have also been dealt a major blow in their defense as their captain and right wing-back Reece James has picked up a hamstring injury that could keep him out for several weeks. The club confirmed the news on Thursday, after the England international felt discomfort during the Premier League opener against Liverpool last week.
Over the weekend, the newly appointed Chelsea captain was taken off the field after 70 minutes of play, but manager Pochettino explained that the player was simply exhausted and that the substitution was preplanned. Contradictory reports, however, claim that the defender has not fully trained with the first team ahead of their Sunday matchup with West Ham in the Premier League. There is no official update on his injury but Blues fans will hope that the reports are no true and James will be back up and running against West Ham.
