Venezuela loses key defender ahead of matches against Ecuador and Peru
Facundo Trotta Arrieta
Dailysports's expert
The Venezuelan national team loses a key player in their defensive scheme ahead of the upcoming South American qualifiers.
Miguel Navarro, a regular left-back and current player for "Talleres de Córdoba," has been ruled out after sustaining a muscle injury on the back of his left thigh, as reported by the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF).
Navarro's absence adds to the challenges faced by head coach, Argentine Fernando "Bocha" Batista, in defense.
Additionally, Yordan Osorio will also be unavailable due to injury, while Wilker Ángel and John Aramburu must serve suspensions for card accumulation. With these issues, La Vinotinto will have to restructure their defensive line at a critical moment in the qualifiers.
Venezuela, currently in eighth place with 12 points from 12 rounds, will visit Ecuador in Quito this Friday before hosting Peru in Maturín.
Batista's team needs to earn points to stay in contention for a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup or at least reach the intercontinental playoff and continue dreaming of their first World Cup appearance.
