Marcelo Bielsa leaves Luis Suarez out of Uruguay World Cup squad | OneFootball

Marcelo Bielsa has left Luis Suarez out of Uruguay’s World Cup squad, despite the striker hinting at a return after retiring. The forward had stepped back after accusing Bielsa of dividing the group, months after a third-place finish at the 2024 Copa America.

“I said something I shouldn't have said. I have already apologised to those I needed to apologise to. I would never say no to the national team if they need me, especially with a World Cup coming up,” he told EFE in May.

The Inter Miami striker, Uruguay’s record scorer with 69 goals and second on 143 caps, has not been recalled 21 months after his self-retirement. It will be the first World Cup he has missed since the 2010 finals.

Bielsa’s squad features Fernando Muslera, Ronald Araujo, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez.

Uruguay face Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Spain in their group. Last month Bielsa said the job would end with the World Cup, calling participation a career miracle and expressing gratitude to Uruguay.

Source: Leeds Live