Topics: Ronald Araujo, Barcelona, Uruguay national team, La Liga, FIFA World Cup
The young defender has decided to go under the knife and looks to miss two-three months of action as a result.

The FIFA World Cup is just under two months away, with the November 20 kick-off for Qatar 2022 fast approaching. However, while many talented players will make the trip to the Middle East, one of the best young defenders in the world looks destined to miss out.

That man is none other than Ronald Araujo, the Barcelona ace who has established himself at the heart of Xavi's back-four. The Camp Nou starlet, who plies his trade for the Uruguayan national team, is set to undergo surgery that will put his FIFA World Cup hopes under tremendous doubt.

The 23-year-old featured for his country in their recent friendly against Iran, which they lost 1-0, but was forced off early with an injury. It was later revealed that Araujo suffered a muscle avulsion, which left the player with a dilemma.

Initially, he was ruled out for six weeks, but with the typical course of action for these issues being surgery, Ronald had to decide between letting the injury heal on its own–and risk further setbacks in the future–or going under the knife and miss Qatar 2022.

Mundo Deportivo and ESPN first broke the news regarding his decision, reporting that the Blaugrana talent opted for surgery. A short while later, the Catalan giants confirmed the rumors via an official announcement on their official Twitter page, writing that he will go under the knife on Wednesday to address the "adductor longus tendon avulsion he has in his right thigh".

Uruguay was reportedly putting pressure on the player to avoid surgery in favor of a more conservative approach, which would have kept his FIFA World Cup hopes alive. This is understandable as the Barcelona ace was set to play a key role in Diego Alonso's set-up. However, Araujo has gone against his country's wishes and is now set for a two-to-three-month spell on the sidelines.

As for his club, the Spanish giants could be without their star defender for a number of crucial games, including the UEFA Champions League home and away clashes with Inter Milan, the Camp Nou battle with Bayern Munich, El Clasico on October 16, and back-to-back home clashes against Villarreal and Athletic Club