Barcelona receive one bad and one good update as Bernal and Araujo tested | OneFootball

FC Barcelona played quite a high-intensity game against Atletico Madrid last night, and despite their numerical superiority on the pitch for the entirety of the second half, had to work quite hard to get a win in this league game.

The intensity of the game was evident in the toll it took on two Blaugrana players, Ronald Araujo and Marc Bernal, who both had to leave the pitch due to physical issues.

Now, detailed medical tests have been undertaken on the players, and as SPORT has reported, there is good news regarding one and somewhat bad news regarding the other.

Araujo has fortunately avoided any serious injury. The Uruguayan is suffering only from muscle fatigue after a heavy schedule with club and country, including 90 minutes against England and 45 more minutes against Algeria with Uruguay.

He will be available for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou.

Bernal, on the other hand, suffered a first-degree high ankle sprain. The 18-year-old midfielder, who had come on for Araujo just before halftime, had to leave the field in the 62nd minute due to discomfort in his ankle.

He is expected to be sidelined for around ten days, which means he will miss the La Liga game against Espanyol and the Champions League first leg against Atletico.

If his recovery goes well, he could be available for the second leg. This is a setback for the young midfielder, who had been gaining prominence in the starting XI over the past month, especially with Frenkie de Jong unavailable.

While Bernal’s absence is unfortunate, Araujo’s availability ensures Barcelona can approach the upcoming key games with options at the back.