Venezuela to Miss Yordan Osorio for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against Bolivia and Uruguay

As Venezuela prepares for two pivotal South American World Cup qualifiers, the team has suffered a significant setback. Journalist Elías López reported that center-back Yordan Osorio will not recover in time to be called up for the June fixtures due to lingering issues following lumbar surgery in December.

Currently seventh with 15 points, Venezuela sits in the intercontinental playoff spot and is aiming to keep its hopes alive. La Vinotinto will host Bolivia on June 6 in a must-win clash—La Verde is just one point behind. Then, on June 10, they face a daunting trip to Montevideo to meet third-placed Uruguay, who have 21 points.

Osorio, who plays for Italy’s Parma, has been a reliable presence in past qualifiers but missed the last round due to injury. To fill the gap, coach Fernando Batista is considering São Paulo’s Nahuel Ferraresi or Wilker Ángel of Brazilian side Juventude.

Looking ahead, Venezuela will face Argentina away on September 9 and close the qualifying cycle against Colombia at home on the 14th. With a tight table and no room for error, Osorio’s absence adds pressure as the team fights for a World Cup berth.