‘No chance of playing’ – Ronald Araujo ruled out of Uruguay’s World Cup clash with Spain

Marcelo Bielsa has ruled Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo out of Uruguay’s final group game against Spain at World Cup 2026.

Araujo has already missed Uruguay’s first two group matches due to an injury. The defender arrived with a niggle which became worse during training. Bielsa has accepted responsibility for the situation and admitted that “something is wrong.”

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The Uruguay boss has now been asked if Araujo or Giorgian De Arrascaeta will return against Spain and ruled both players out: “They have no chance of playing against Spain,” he told a press conference.

Uruguay have drawn both their games so far, against Cape Verde and New Zealand, and can still make it to the knockouts. However, they will need a result against Spain when the two teams meet on Friday in Mexico which is not an easy ask.

As for Araujo, he missed World Cup 2022 due to injury and will be hoping his team can progress and he can return for the knockout stages.