Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa defended his team's medical protocols after several players suffered injuries during World Cup preparations. Bielsa said his medical staff followed all proper procedures in managing player recoveries ahead of Uruguay’s opening match versus Saudi Arabia on June 15, 2026 [1, 2].
Defender Ronald Araujo sustained a muscle tear during training, joining teammates Jose Maria Gimenez and Giorgian de Arrascaeta on the injury list before the tournament began [1, 2]. Araujo arrived at camp with a minor muscle problem but had not experienced any serious muscle issues for six months playing at Barcelona [1, 2]. Bielsa acknowledged the injury during recovery was "necessarily interpreted as a mistake," but insisted that "all necessary measures" were taken to prevent it [2]. He added, "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" [1].
Gimenez experienced an ankle injury but resumed training about a week later. He was closely monitored and trusted his recovery team during a 15-day period with the Uruguay squad [1, 2]. Meanwhile, Arrascaeta suffered a calf muscle injury and received close support from Uruguay’s medical staff, who coordinated his treatment with the player and his club Flamengo [1, 2].
Bielsa confirmed the team will maintain their open, possession-based style of play in the opening match, saying, "We try to have possession of the ball, we try to go forward and attack with many players. We try to play on the other side of the pitch and recover the ball quickly" [1].
Uruguay faces Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener scheduled for June 15, 2026, with Bielsa confident the team will be ready despite these injury setbacks [1, 2].