Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that Ronald Araujo is conscious in hospital after being taken off the pitch in an ambulance during Barcelona's 3-1 victory over Celta Vigo.
The 23-year-old was involved in a sickening clash of heads with teammate Gavi. In the 62nd minute, the two Blaugrana players were challenging for the ball just inside their own half when they accidentally collided. While Gavi escaped without significant treatment, Araujo stayed on his feet. But as he was running back towards his own goal, the 23-year-old suddenly fell down.
An ambulance was quickly brought onto the pitch, as Araujo was rushed to hospital to be treated. It was there that Xavi and co received the good news, with the Barca boss telling reporters post-match: "Araujo is conscious, out of danger. [The] doctor tells us not to worry."
A statement from the club had previously read: "Ronald Araujo has suffered a concussion and has been taken to the hospital to undergo further testing."
Fans chanted "U-RU-GUAYO" form the stands following his substitution, with the scoreline at 3-1. As Gavi completed the 90 minutes, Barcelona came out on top thanks to a strike by Memphis Depay in the 30th minute and two goals from ex- Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang either side of half-time.
Celta's talisman, Iago Aspas, pulled one back for the visitors in the second half, but their hopes of salvaging more than a valiant defeat at the Camp Nou were dashed when defender Jeison Murillo was sent off for bringing down Depay when he was the last man.
The match was marred by Araujo's situation, having been a star of their resurgent season under Xavi. Recently linked with a transfer to Manchester United, the Uruguay international committed his future to Barcelona last month by signing a new contract which runs until 2026 which includes a staggering €1billion (£840million) release clause.
"That has always been my wish. Renewal brings me a huge happiness. I am in the best club in the world and it is the reward for a job well done. The club's confidence in me means I'm doing things right," Araujo told Sport. My whole family was there [when I signed] and I was moved.
"We have been through a lot. My parents had to sacrifice a lot for me to achieve my dream of being a footballer. I hope I still have ten or fifteen years left in my career, but now I have fulfilled my first dream, being at the best club in the world."
The La Masia academy graduate added during his presentation at the Camp Nou: "I always work hard. I watch videos and talk a lot with Xavi about learning the Barca style. I believe in the project and we will get back up and start winning trophies again. I want Barca fans to feel excited about the team, because we are going back to the Barca DNA and we have a solid base of young and veteran players. We have a team to dream about."
