Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde arrived in Uruguay on Tuesday “excited” and eager to score another victory against Paraguay in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
He told the press this after arriving at Carrasco International Airport, where he also spoke about Luis Suárez’s retirement and thanked him for the advice he had for younger footballers, as well as for everything he gave to the Uruguayans.
Valverde later moved to the Celeste Complex, where he arrived with Greek Panathinaikos player Facundo Pellistri, to put himself under the orders of Marcelo Bielsa.
Also arriving on this day were the goalkeepers of the Brazilian Internacional, Sergio Rochet, and the goalkeepers of the Colombian Juniors, Santiago Mele.
On Tuesday, Uruguay announced the list of 25 players called up for the matches against Paraguay and Venezuela for the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, the last one that will feature the presence of historic scorer Suárez.
The 37-year-old striker, who announced on Monday that he will leave the national team on Friday after more than 17 years defending the Celeste, is part of a roster marked by absences and new faces.
Darwin Núñez, Ronald Araujo, Rodrigo Bentancur, José María Giménez and Mathías Olivera are some of those who have been suspended for fighting with Colombian fans at the last Copa América. Nor are the injured Matías Viña, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Federico Viñas and Nicolás de la Cruz.
Meanwhile, Boca Juniors striker Miguel Ángel Merentiel was called up for the first time to play for the senior team, as was River Plate full-back Agustín Sant’Anna and Estudiantes forward Tiago Palacios.
Also appearing on the list after several matches of absence are Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Santiago Bueno, Boca Juniors full-back Marcelo Saracchi and Vasco da Gama full-back José Luis Rodríguez.
This Friday, Uruguay will host Paraguay at the historic Centenario stadium for the seventh round of the South American qualifiers, while on September 10 they will visit Venezuela.
After six rounds, the Celeste is second in the standings with 13 accumulated points.
Source: Agencies
Related News :