Vasco may lose up to 6 players to call-ups during FIFA break | OneFootball

The frustration over the absence of call-ups to the Brazilian National Team contrasts with the strong international anticipation surrounding the corridors of Vasco. Right-back Paulo Henrique was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest test list, but Vasco could provide up to six foreign players for the friendlies leading up to the 2026 World Cup. The final lists of call-ups are expected to be officially announced throughout this week, stirring up the behind-the-scenes activity at the Rio de Janeiro club.

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Colombian quartet and star favoritism

The greatest international representation from Vasco’s squad comes directly from Colombian football. Coach Néstor Lorenzo included the talented Andrés Gómez, Johan Rojas, Carlos Cuesta, and Marino Hinestroza in his preliminary observation list for the tough matches against France and Croatia. The group’s top favorite to make the final squad, which will be announced at the weekend, is winger Andrés Gómez. The Vasco darling stands out as the season’s main highlight and had already been remembered in the previous FIFA window, although he did not get any playing time.

The situation for the other Colombian players is hindered by physical obstacles and direct competition. Defender Carlos Cuesta was also called up last time, but his game rhythm was affected by recent pain in his right knee, which kept him out of Vasco’s main team. Meanwhile, midfielders Marino Hinestroza and Johan Rojas are outsiders in the fierce competition for spots in the national team’s midfield and attack.

Andrés Gómez is the most certain name in the Colombian call-up – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

Uruguayan bet and defender on the radar

Expectations also extend to Uruguayan football with the likely call-up of right-back Puma Rodríguez. The number 2 is a constant presence on the lists of experienced coach Marcelo Bielsa and awaits the official call for the friendlies against England and Algeria, which will be released in the coming days by the 70-year-old manager. In the last FIFA window, the defender was listed but remained on the bench during the match against the United States.

Young defender Alan Saldivia is also firmly on the radar of the Celeste Olímpica’s technical staff, however, his call-up is considered less likely. The player represented Uruguay at the 2024 Pan American Games, but has yet to receive real opportunities in the main team led by Marcelo Bielsa throughout this demanding pre-World Cup cycle.

Puma Rodríguez is another Vasco player who could be called up – Photo: Juan Razquin | AUF

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