Araujo Doubtful for Uruguay's World Cup Opener After Muscle Strain and Flu

Uruguay have begun preventive treatment to protect the Barcelona defender so he can be available for later group games against Cape Verde and Spain.

Overview

Ronald Araujo missed Uruguay’s final pre-travel training session after developing a slight muscle strain and flu symptoms, including fever.
Reports from Mundo Deportivo, carried by Yahoo Sports, say the injury is minor but is being managed cautiously to avoid setbacks.
If Araujo is unavailable for the opening match against Saudi Arabia he is expected to start the tournament on the bench with Guillermo Varela likely to fill the right-back spot.
Coaches hope Araujo will recover in time for Uruguay’s second match with Cape Verde and the key group game against Spain, though that expectation is not yet confirmed by team medical staff.
The situation has club implications for Barcelona and Araujo’s summer plans, and coverage remains developing because no formal Uruguay medical statement has been published.