It became known why Bielsa did not include the Barcelona star in the squad for the friendly matches

The reason why Barcelona's center-back Ronald Araujo did not make it into the Uruguay national team for the March friendly matches has been revealed.

According to Diario Sport, Araujo has no health problems. Uruguay's head coach Marcelo Bielsa decided to support Barcelona. Bielsa understands that the most important matches of the season are ahead for the Catalan team, and he does not want to risk Araujo's health in friendly matches.

Barcelona highly appreciated this gesture from Bielsa.

On March 23, Uruguay played a friendly match against the unofficial FIFA team of the Basque Country. Tomorrow, Bielsa's team will play against Ivory Coast.

After six rounds, Uruguay is in second place in the qualification for the 2026 World Cup.