The possible departure of the Barcelona heavyweight remains on hold after the senior defender’s injury

Ronald Araujo’s future at FC Barcelona may take an unexpected turn in the coming hours. The 25-year-old centre-back has been heavily linked with a departure in the ongoing transfer window.

Juventus is the one that has shown the most interest in the Uruguayan international and is preparing an offer of 50 million euros for Barcelona’s second captain, with the bianconeros trusting in their possibilities.

While Araujo is said to have been leaning towards an exit, recent events could change things as to the direction his future takes.

Barcelona will block the departure of Araujo after Íñigo Martínez

As reported today, tests are expected to confirm Íñigo Martínez’s five-week absence due to a torn hamstring in his right leg, which he suffered during last night’s victory over Real Madrid.

Now, AS reports that this development will seriously affect the likelihood of the Uruguayan defender leaving the club and that Barça are likely to cancel his possible departure.

A meeting between Barcelona and Juventus directors was scheduled this week to discuss a possible agreement for the transfer of Araujo.

Juventus was counting on the player’s willingness to leave, since he has expressed his dissatisfaction with the financial conditions offered for his contract renewal with Barcelona.

However, Martínez’s unexpected injury could force a significant change in Barcelona’s plans. The Basque center back will miss at least eight games, including five in La Liga, two in the Champions League and one Copa del Rey game.

As a result, Hansi Flick will have to rely on the team’s remaining centre-backs: Pau Cubarsi, Eric García and Araujo. Andreas Christensen, who has been out for almost six months due to ankle problems, will not be an option in the short term.

Given these circumstances and Flick’s recent comments praising Araujo, it seems unlikely that Barcelona will allow the Uruguayan defender to leave.

Furthermore, Araujo’s enthusiastic celebration after winning the Super Cup and the support he has received from his teammates, especially from Gavi, hint at a positive development for his future at the club.

Barcelona’s sports commission will meet in the coming days, during which the coaching staff, headed by Flick, will present the urgent need to retain Araujo to maintain the quality of the squad.

As such, for now, Araujo’s departure appears to be on hold, with Barcelona likely to retain their defensive stalwart following Martínez’s injury.