Araujo races to be fit as Uruguay name World Cup squad

Araujo a major doubt for the opener

Ronald Araujo has travelled to Spain for treatment on a muscular injury picked up during national team preparations. The Barcelona centre-back is a serious doubt for Uruguay's World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Medical staff are optimistic he won't miss the entire tournament, but his availability for the early group games is uncertain (1). Bielsa's defensive plans are now under real strain, Araujo was supposed to anchor the backline.

The 26-man squad is set

Bielsa named his final 26-man squad for the World Cup, with the probable starting XI taking shape. Rochet is expected in goal, protected by a back four of Varela, Gimenez, Caceres, and Olivera. Valverde and Ugarte anchor the midfield, with Pellistri, De Arrascaeta, and M. Araujo supplying Darwin Nunez up front (1). Araujo's injury means Caceres likely steps in alongside Gimenez, a pairing with far less top-level chemistry.

Bielsa goes full Bielsa in 38-second presser

In classic form, Marcelo Bielsa gave a six-answer press conference lasting 38 seconds ahead of the tournament. No elaboration, no mood-reading, just clipped replies and done. Fans know the drill by now: when Bielsa gets terse, the focus is entirely on the pitch. Read into it what you will (2).

Fan-reaktioner

Uruguay fans are in a reflective mood ahead of the tournament, one thread has supporters debating whether Van Bronckhorst's 2010 strike against La Celeste is the greatest World Cup goal of all time. Nostalgia and nerves, the classic pre-tournament cocktail. Join the discussion