Araujo steps away for treatment but keeps World Cup spot

The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed that Ronald Araujo has temporarily left the national team camp to undergo specialist treatment in Barcelona for muscular discomfort, though his World Cup participation is not in doubt. The centre‑back, who will miss Monday’s training sessions, is working with medical staff who have treated him previously, a decision agreed upon by both AUF doctors and Marcelo Bielsa’s coaching team.

Uruguay will travel to Cancun before settling in Playa del Carmen as their World Cup base. They open their Group H campaign on 15 June against Saudi Arabia in Miami, followed by Cape Verde six days later and Spain on 26 June in Guadalajara.

Midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta is also sidelined, set to miss at least the first group match due to a calf issue while continuing recovery from a fractured collarbone. Despite his setbacks, Uruguay have opted to keep him in the squad for the tournament.