Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is a surprise inclusion in Uruguay’s preliminary squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Araujo suffered an injury in Uruguay’s September friendly clash with Iran, with initial reports hinting at a minor problem for him.
La Blaugrana eventually opted to send the centre back for surgery on his thigh issue with his recovery time estimated at around 6-7 weeks.
The move to include him in the squad, albeit only on a preliminary panel, is likely to irritate Xavi, as he will not be able to count on the 23-year-old until 2023.
Uruguay head coach Diego Alonso will have no hesitation in naming Araujo in his final squad, if he proves his fitness, as part of a backline including Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez.