Missing four starters, Paraguay begin preparations to face Ecuador | OneFootball

With four starters injured, including star Julio Enciso, Paraguay began its preparations this Monday to face Ecuador on Thursday in Asunción, a match in which they could seal their long-awaited return to the World Cup after 16 years of absence.

Coach Gustavo Alfaro led the first training session, marked by the absences of defender Fabián Balbuena, midfielder Mathías Villasanti, and forwards Isidro Pitta and “La Joya” Enciso, Paraguay’s great hope.

The four were not included in the list of 27 players called up, revealed on Sunday by the Argentine coach, due to various physical problems.

The afternoon training, with almost the entire squad present, took place under heavy rain at the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) training center in Ypané, near Asunción.

The Albirroja is just one point away from mathematically securing its spot in the 2026 World Cup in North America, a goal that could also be achieved if Venezuela loses to leaders Argentina on Thursday in Buenos Aires.

Alfaro, 63, called up 27 players for the last two rounds of the South American Qualifiers, which his team will play next Tuesday against Peru in Lima.

The Argentine coach, beloved by the Paraguayan fans, surprised everyone by including Olimpia striker Adrián Alcaraz in the squad list.

Other new faces include defender Alexis “Pulpito” Duarte from Spartak Russia, to replace Balbuena, and forward Ronaldo Martínez, who has been performing well for Platense in Argentina.

Paraguay’s squad list:

Goalkeepers: Roberto Jr. Fernández (Cerro Porteño, PAR), Carlos Coronel (New York Red Bulls, USA), Juan Espínola (Newell’s, ARG), Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo, ARG).

Defenders: Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras, BRA), Omar Alderete (Sunderland, ENG), Junior Alonso (Mineiro, BRA), Gustavo Velázquez (Cerro Porteño, PAR), Alexis Duarte (Spartak, RUS), Alan Benítez (Inter, BRA), Agustín Sández (Rosario Central, ARG), Juán Cáceres (Dinamo, RUS).

Midfielders: Andrés Cubas (Vancouver, CAN), Diego Gómez (Brighton, ENG), Braian Ojeda (Real Salt Lake, USA), Damián Bobadilla (São Paulo, BRA), Mathías Galarza (River Plate, ARG), Miguel Almirón (Atlanta, USA), Ramón Sosa (Palmeiras, BRA), Alejandro “Kaku” Romero (Al-Ain FC, UAE), Hugo Cuenca (Genoa, ITA).

Forwards: Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese, ITA), Gabriel Ávalos (Independiente, ARG), Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia, ARG), Ronaldo Martínez (Platense, ARG), Adrián Alcaraz (Olimpia, PAR), Ángel Romero (Corinthians, BRA).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.