KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Football fans hoping to catch a glimpse of some of Uruguay's top footballers in action are in for disappointment as five top names have been left out for the two international friendlies in Malaysia due to injury and health reasons.
Uruguay team manager Marcelo Bielsa, who confirmed this, said the decision to leave them out was also part of his broader plan to assess more players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The players I've called up are the ones I consider necessary to participate as the World Cup approaches, and we need to observe the majority of them.
“As the World Cup gets closer, it is very important to see the totality of the players who have options to participate in June 2026,” he told a pre-match press conference here today, ahead of tomorrow's friendly against the Dominican Republic.
The five Uruguayan stars who won't be strutting their stuff here are Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Darwin Nunez (Al-Hilal), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Ronald Araujo (FC Barcelona) and Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United).
Asked about the match against the Dominican Republic at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow, the former manager of Leeds United and Athletic Bilbao said he expects Marcelo Neveleff’s side to provide his men with a stern test "as they have some outstanding players at their disposal”.
In the meantime, Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Zalazar admitted that the hot and humid Malaysian weather is a real challenge for the team, although they are adapting to it.
Zalazar, who plays for Portuguese club side S.C. Braga, added that the team are excited to play in Malaysia and is looking forward to the experience.
Meanwhile, Neveleff expressed his appreciation to the organiser for the invitation and said it was an honour for his team to face such a world-class opponent.
“We are very happy to be here and be able to measure ourselves against a national team that everybody knows is one of the top national teams in the world, especially because of the quality they have on the field and on the bench with Bielsa who, for many coaches, is an honour to play against,” he said.
After the Dominican Republic, Uruguay will wrap up their tour against Uzbekistan at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka on Oct 13.
Uruguay are currently ranked 15th in the world, while the Dominican Republic occupy 142nd position and Uzbekistan 54th spot.
-- BERNAMA
