‘We feel responsible’ – Marcelo Bielsa takes blame for Ronald Araujo’s injury at World Cup 2026

CANCUN, MEXICO - JUNE 10: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image has been digitally altered.) Ronald Araujo #4 of Uruguay poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session on June 10, 2026 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa says he feels responsible for an injury sustained by Ronald Araujo before the start of World Cup 2026.

class="has-text-align-none">The defender arrived with a small issue which became worse and led to him returning to Barca for treatment amid claims the Catalans weren’t happy with how Uruguay handled the situation.

class="has-text-align-none">Araujo’s brother also hit out at Uruguay over the injury, and Bielsa says they must accept the blame.

“Araujo arrived ⁠with a muscle problem which wasn’t serious. He had no serious muscle problems in the last ​six months at Barcelona. He also suffered a muscle tear,” he told reporters.

class="has-text-align-none">“My conclusion is the same. If ​the player gets injured in training, something is wrong. But Araujo works with a group he trusts a lot and no decisions were made without reaching a consensus with them and Araujo himself.

class="has-text-align-none">“We feel responsible, but we couldn’t have ​done anything differently.”

Uruguay are set to kick off their World Cup tournament against Saudi Arabia later on today.