Ronald Araujo’s place in the Uruguay squad was in doubt through injury and the saga around his fitness appears to be escalating, although his teammates still managed to keep a clean sheet against South Korea.
Danilo Pereira and his fellow Portugal defenders had a more nervy opener as their side overcame Ghana 3-2 — but he will not be involved against Uruguay.
Below are the confirmed lineups for both teams.
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Portugal vs. Uruguay lineups
Defender or defensive midfielder Pereira suffered three broken ribs in a training injury that mystified Portugal coach Fernando Santos.
“It was a move that nobody noticed when we were working on defensive set-pieces,” Santos said on Sunday. “Initially it didn’t look like anything worrisome, despite him having breathing difficulties.
“I’m not a doctor — we have to wait. It’s a blow. It would be better if we can still count on him but we have three central defenders.
“We can’t sit here and cry. I’m sad, most of all, for him. I said that to the players this morning that his strength will help us to give more of ourselves.”
Teammate Bernardo Silva pledged that Portugal would beat Uruguay, who knocked them out at the Round of 16 stage in 2018, for Pereira.
Uruguay are embroiled in their own defensive injury drama after Gaston Tealdi, the vice-president of the Uruguayan Football Association, issued an update on Araujo amid reports that Barcelona suspect the national team are rushing the centre-back’s return following thigh surgery.
“Araujo is in the orbit of the Uruguayan national team,” said Tealdi, with reports also suggesting that Barca coach Xavi is heading to Qatar to discuss his concerns in person with team bosses.
“The last word is with the national team but our intention is that any decision is made by mutual agreement. The last word belongs to the player.
“The intention is to work slowly, gradually, giving security to Araujo and also to Barcelona. As soon as Araujo is fit to compete, the corresponding decisions will be made.”
MORE: World Cup 2022 Group H: Match schedule, fixtures, times and dates for Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea in Qatar
Portugal starting 11
(4-1-2-1-2, right to left): 22-Costa (GK) — 20-Cancelo, 3-Pepe, 4-Dias, 19-Mendes — 18-Neves — 8-Fernandes, 14-Carvalho — 10-Bernardo Silva — 7-Ronaldo, 11-Joao Felix
Pepe replaces Pereira in the Portugal defence. “Pepe is a monster,” said Santos. “If there’s anyone with such an important role in the locker room, it’s him… Pepe will play, there will be no problems.”
Nuno Mendes recovered from a knock in time to start in place of Raphael Guerreiro, while William Carvalho comes in for Otavio.
Uruguay starting 11
(3-5-2, right to left): 23-Rochet (GK) — 2-Gimenez, 3-Godin, 19-Coates —13-Varela, 16-Olivera, 6-Bentancur, 15-Valverde, 5-Vecino, — 11-Nunez, 21-Cavani.
Uruguay switch to a 3-5-2 system, with Guillermo Varela and Matias Vecino at wing-back. There’s a big call up front, with Edinson Cavani partnering Darwin Nunez, meaning Luis Suarez is on the bench.
Barca reportedly have an informal agreement with Uruguay that Araujo will not play in the group stage and the defender is not in the lineup here.
The 23-year-old underwent treatment in Finland on September 28.
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Portugal vs. Uruguay World Cup squads
Here are the names on Portugal and Uruguay’s World Cup squads in Qatar (caps correct as of start of Qatar 2022):
