Joaquín Piquerez
LB
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Aug 24, 1998 (27)
Left
6'0"
179 lb
Named to bench
Piquerez (ankle) is on the bench for Monday's match against Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Piquerez was likely to return Monday and has done so, as the defender is an option to face Saudi Arabia from the bench. He is set for more of a rotational option heading into the tournament, hurting much of the value he holds. However, he could manage a few minutes from the bench each match.
Back in training, option for opener
Piquerez (ankle) has trained with the team and may be available for Uruguay's first World Cup game versus Saudi Arabia, Fabian Bertolini of El Espectador Deportes reports.
Analysis: Piquerez has made a surprisingly quick recovery from his injury, and he now appears to have a chance of logging a few minutes during Monday's World Cup opener. He has previously featured as a left-sided defender for the national team, so he should be in contention with Mathias Olivera and Juan Sanabria. The 27-year-old might find occasional opportunities to attack if he's selected at some point, having averaged 0.7 chances created per game over seven outings (four starts) during the CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Not training with group
Piquerez (ankle) is not training with the group and is a major doubt for the World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on Monday, according to Oscar Garcia of MARCA.
Analysis: Piquerez was included on the World Cup squad despite not being 100 percent healthy, so it's not surprising to see him train away from the group. The Palmeiras left-back isn't expected to be an option for the opener Monday, but he could return for the June 21 clash against Cape Verde. Right now, though, that seems optimistic since he's yet to return to full training.
Joins World Cup, still recovering
Piquerez (ankle) has been called up for the World Cup by Uruguay but is still in recovery from an ankle injury, according to Brahian Kuchman of Tenefield Oficial.
Analysis: Piquerez has been called up for the World Cup but is still battling his injury status after around two months out, having suffered an ankle injury in a friendly with Uruguay. That said, the last time he played was March 27, leaving a big gap since last seeing the field, a bit of a questionable move heading into the World Cup. After nearly missing the tournament altogether, this will be a concern heading into the first few matches, as he is likely to miss some time through the first two games.
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