Cuesta and Gómez miss Colombia friendlies, still in Copa race | OneFootball

The Colombian national team announced this Friday the list of players called up for the October FIFA international friendlies, and two Vasco players were left out: center-back Carlos Cuesta and right-back Andrés Gómez. Their absence surprised part of the Vasco fanbase, as both have been regularly called up in the current national team cycle and are considered trusted options by the coaching staff.

Cuesta, 25, has been one of the main names in Vasco’s defense since arriving at São Januário. The center-back had been highly regarded in the Colombian squad, but is currently recovering from a muscle injury in his left thigh adductor, suffered during the match against Cruzeiro. This physical issue kept him out of the last game against Palmeiras and, although he is in the transition phase, the Colombian coaching staff chose not to include him in this window, prioritizing his full recovery.

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As for Andrés Gómez, signed by Vasco this season, he has been closely monitored by coach Néstor Lorenzo. Even though he was not called up this time, the winger continues to be highly rated and is expected to appear in future lists. The expectation is that he will be tested again before the final squad for the World Cup is decided, since the attacking sector is still open and highly competitive.

The absence of the duo, therefore, does not mean a definitive cut. On the contrary: Cuesta and Gómez remain among the players considered for Colombia’s World Cup project.

While Cuesta works to be 100% available after the FIFA window, Gómez should continue to get minutes in the Brazilian Championship and maintain consistency—factors that could weigh in his favor for future call-ups.

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Photo: Reproduction.

Colombia will play two friendlies in this FIFA window, which will serve as a final test for adjustments before the decisive stretch of the Qualifiers. Even though they are not on the current list, the Colombian coaching staff does not rule out calling up the two Vasco players in the near future—and the expectation is that, if they maintain their performance at São Januário, they will have a good chance of being among those called up for the World Cup.

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