Uruguay is set to host Venezuela on Matchday 16 of the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, looking to strengthen its bid for a spot in the next edition of the tournament. In a pivotal matchup, fans were surprised to see that Real Madrid star Federico Valverde was missing from the squad.
The CONMEBOL qualifiers are reaching a critical stage, and Uruguay has stumbled recently—picking up just two points from its last four matches. La Celeste currently sits fifth in the standings with 21 points. A win at home against Venezuela is vital, but head coach Marcelo Bielsa will be without one of his key players.
Federico Valverde will miss the game against Venezuela due to injury. Bielsa left the team captain out of the squad for the June international window after Valverde was diagnosed with lumbosciatica—a condition that affects the lower back and sciatic nerve.
Real Madrid issued an update on May 25, confirming the diagnosis: “Following the tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by Real Madrid’s Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with lumbosciatica. His progress will be monitored.”
As a result, Valverde has missed both of Uruguay’s June qualifiers—against Paraguay and now Venezuela. His absence is a blow for Bielsa, though Real Madrid expects him to be fit in time for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14.
Darwin Núñez, another key absence for Uruguay
Playing at home, Uruguay hopes to secure a win that would edge it closer to World Cup qualification. But on top of facing a disciplined Venezuelan side aiming for its first-ever World Cup appearance, Bielsa’s team will also be without another major contributor.
Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez is also sidelined for the match due to suspension. He is serving a two-game ban for his involvement in the post-match incidents during the 2024 Copa América semifinal against Colombia. Núñez, who leads Uruguay with five goals in the qualifiers, leaves a significant gap in the attack.
