Uruguay Names Squad for Argentina and Bolivia with Suárez Return
Marcelo Bielsa called the Celeste into a final run of 2023, lining up a return for Luis Suárez as the standout moment. The year closes with a shift in generation and a renewed emphasis on rebuilding after a difficult Qatar World Cup. Uruguay will sign off the season with two important South American qualifiers on the road to the 2026 World Cup in North America: they travel to Buenos Aires to face Argentina at La Bombonera on Thursday the 16th, then welcome Bolivia to the Centenario five days later on Tuesday the 21st.
As the calendar turned, Bielsa waited until the last moment to assemble his squad, revealing the 24-player list only on Monday the 13th, just four days before the clásico del Río de la Plata. Suárez returns for the first time since the Argentine coach took charge, marking a notable headline in a squad that also includes Rodrigo Bentancur, back after a lengthy knee ligament injury suffered in February and already gaining minutes with Tottenham Hotspur.
One notable omission is Edinson Cavani, who was prepared for selection during Bielsa’s tenure but will miss the double header due to the injury he sustained in the Boca Juniors vs. Newell’s Old Boys match on the preceding Sunday. The decision underscores Bielsa’s careful balancing of form, fitness, and squad depth as Uruguay looks to navigate a demanding set of fixtures.
Uruguay’s squad to challenge Argentina and Bolivia
Goalkeepers:
- Sergio Rochet (International, Brazil)
- Franco Israel (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal)
- Santiago Mele (Junior, Colombia)
Defenders:
- Ronald Araujo (Barcelona, Spain)
- Jose María Giménez (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
- Sebastián Cáceres (America, Mexico)
- Matías Viña (Sassuolo, Italy)
- Bruno Méndez (Corinthians, Brazil)
- Guillermo Varela (Flamengo, Brazil)
- Mathías Olivera (Napoli, Italy)
Midfielders
- Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
- Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham, England)
- Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Spain)
- Felipe Carballo (Gremio, Brazil)
- Agustín Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense, Brazil)
- Nicolás De la Cruz (River Plate, Argentina)
- Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo, Brazil)
- Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United, England)
Forwards
- Maximiliano Araujo (Toluca, Mexico)
- Facundo Torres (Orlando City, United States)
- Cristian Olivares (Los Angeles FC, United States)
- Federico Viñas (León, Mexico)
- Darwin Núñez (Liverpool, England)
- Luis Suárez (Gremio, Brazil)
The list reflects a blend of established faces and emerging talents, signaling Bielsa’s intent to press for points on the road while integrating younger players who can grow into the national team’s future plans. The absence of Cavani adds a cautious note, but Suárez’s return injects experience and goal threat that could be decisive in tight qualifying games. Uruguay will rely on a compact, hardworking unit to withstand pressure from two tough opponents in quick succession.