The Vinotinto begins to concentrate with the sensitive loss of Yangel Herrera

Yangel Herrera (center) is considered part of the backbone of La Vinotinto /Photo: FVF Press

The Venezuelan national soccer team is beginning to train in Buenos Aires, Argentina, ahead of the World Cup qualifying match that will be played next Thursday, September 5, against Bolivia.

Since Sunday, the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) began reporting the arrival of some players to what will be the La Vinotinto bunker, although this Monday it announced the sensitive loss of midfielder Yangel Herrera.

The Girona FC midfielder from Spain has suffered a fibrillar tear in the left adductor muscle, according to the tests carried out by his club. His estimated recovery time is three weeks and that is why it was decided to exclude him from the training camp.

Herrera’s replacement

Herrera is an undisputed starter in the scheme of La Vinotinto’s technical director, Fernando “Bocha” Batista, although his absence on the field can be covered by other midfielders such as Daniel Pereira or Cristian Casséres Jr.

The FVF also announced the call-up of midfielder Jesús Bueno, who can also play in the same position as the player from Guairá. Bueno plays for the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

The 25-year-old footballer returns to the Venezuela squad after being called up twice for the 2023 World Cup pre-matches, although on both occasions he was unable to attend due to injury. He was also on the list of players in good faith prior to the Copa América, but did not make the first cut.

Other casualties

Yangel Herrera’s absence adds to the previously announced absences of central defenders Wilker Ángel and Jhon Chancellor (who was also in the squad in the first instance and had to be ruled out), both due to injury.

It is worth remembering that Venezuela will face Bolivia on Thursday at the Municipal Stadium in El Alto, 4,100 meters above sea level (masl). For that match, the national team is expected to depart from Buenos Aires on the same day of the match, as a strategy of the coaching staff to reduce the effects of altitude on the players.

The Venezuelan team will then face Uruguay at the Monumental de Maturín on Tuesday, September 10.

Puerto La Cruz/ Javier A. Guaipo