Surely it is an extreme disappointment for the defender, who was considered to be a cornerstone for Marcelo Bielsa’s team. But it’s also a disappointment for FC Barcelona, who were hoping that he would have improved his current standing in world football by playing a good tournament.
Currently, there are two scenarios: one, where he stays with Barcelona, and another where he leaves. In scenario one, Barcelona were hoping that a good World Cup would have helped him bounce back after some disappointing seasons in which he lost his starting place. And in scenario two, it would have raised his [market value](https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/uruguay-cambia-escenario-barca-araujo-131872535) after it took a tumble during those aforementioned seasons.
With Pau Cubarsí emerging as Barcelona’s top center-back, and Gerard Martín gaining as the other starter, there may not be a starting position open for the Uruguayan. It’s been reported that Barcelona will respect Araujo’s decision whether he wants to stay, and potentially not be a starter, or look for a move elsewhere. But if he stays, he won’t even be necessarily guaranteed to be the third choice with Eric Garcia available and Andreas Christensen returning from injury.
Now, Araujo’s challenge - if he does not leave Barça - is to return from injury, brush aside the disappointment of Uruguay’s untimely elimination, and convince Hansi Flick he should play more minutes.