Wounded Uruguay In “Uphill” Battle

The World Cup qualifiers look promising for the Uruguayans just a year ago as they were getting ready to face a Bolivian side that were just looking to be competitive. One year later, things couldn’t have gotten worst for Uruguay. Their loss to Argentina and Ecuador’s win against Chile left them with little room for error as they face an inspired Bolivian side in the altitude of La Paz. Add to that the fact that they will be missing five players (four of them starters) that were going to be vital for the Charrúas’ pretensions.

Backline stalwart Diego Godín, midfielders Sebastián Eguren and Diego Pérez will be unavailable due to suspension. The bad news gets worse as forwards Luis Suárez (suspension) and Javier Chevantón (knee) will not be available for this matchup either. After fitness tests done in Buenos Aires, it was determined that the Sevilla forward could not go. His meniscus injury forced the Uruguayan delegation to send him back to Montevideo for further test. Tabárez mentioned that he would be the starter in Bolivia, instead Schalke 04 forward Vicente Sánchez will probably be partnered with Carlos Bueno as the attacking duo for Oscar Washington Tabárez. He bases this on his playing days with Mexican side Toluca and his ability to play in high altitude.

Questionable
Both Cristian Rodríguez and Jorge Fucile will be questionable for the Bolivia match as they are suffering from injuries. Fucile started but only played 15 minutes against Argentina after suffering an ankle contusion. They will most likely be part of the Uruguayan midfield and defense. If Fucile weren’t able to go, Bruno Silva might take over or even Boca Juniors midfielder Álvaro González is capable of playing at right back. González might be able to make the start in the midfield as well but on the right and Maximiliano Pereira might head over to the left and play a more defensive role

Probable Starting XI

———————-Castillo——————————

—–Silva—— Lugano—– Scotti—— Cáceres——-

–González/Pereira—Arismendi—Gargano-C.Rodríguez

————Bueno———–Sánchez——————–