Araujo calf scare ahead of World Cup travel

Araujo calf scare, but set to travel Tuesday

Ronald Araujo picked up a calf issue on Sunday, just days before Uruguay travel to the 2026 World Cup. The Uruguayan FA confirmed he will miss Monday's group activities but rejoin the squad on Tuesday, when the team flies out to the tournament (1) (2).

The federation described it as "muscle discomfort" and said Araujo will receive treatment from medical professionals who have worked with him before. The tone of the official statement suggests no serious alarm, and the centre-back is expected to be part of the travelling party on Tuesday night (1).

Still, any fitness question around your best defender on the eve of a World Cup is going to make you sweat. Araujo is the anchor of that backline. You need him fit.