Facundo Bernal has returned to the Uruguay national team. The 23-year-old midfielder, signed by Real Betis this summer, has been called up by new head coach Diego Forlán for the September-October Asian tour.

Jordi Santamaría confirmed the news: "The midfielder Facundo Bernal, signed this summer by Real Betis from Fluminense of Rio de Janeiro, has been called up by the new Uruguay manager, Diego Forlán".

Bernal's Return

The call-up marks Bernal's return to La Celeste after more than two years. He made his senior debut in a friendly in May 2024 under Diego Ruso Pérez. Although he was included in some squads during Marcelo Bielsa's tenure, he did not play any official minutes.

His situation has changed with the new manager and his strong start to the season at Betis. So far this campaign, the Uruguayan has played six official matches, five in LaLiga and one in the Champions League, accumulating 363 minutes of play. In Manuel Pellegrini's system, he alternates with and complements Marc Roca in the double pivot.

Tour Schedule

The Asian tour begins this Thursday, 24 September, against Japan in Rifu (Miyagi) at 12:05 Spanish time. Four days later, on Monday the 28th, Uruguay will face South Korea in Seoul at 13:00. The tour concludes on 6 October in Calcutta against India at 16:00.

These matches come at a key moment for Forlán's project. Uruguay sits third in the World Cup standings with 2 points from three games, five points behind leaders Spain. Their last result was a 0-1 defeat to Spain on 27 June, and their current run is five matches without a win, with four draws and one loss. The full squad and preparation schedule can be found on our fixtures and squad pages.

Betis Context

Bernal's call-up contrasts with the situation of his Betis teammate, Giovani Lo Celso. The Argentine, who recently returned from injury, has been called up by his national team for the 6 October match, which will serve as Lionel Messi's farewell. Lo Celso had not been called up for Argentina's two previous friendlies, in which Messi also did not play.

For Bernal, this return is a golden opportunity to establish himself in the new era of the Uruguay national team. His next commitment is the trip to Japan, the first test of the Forlán era on Asian soil.

First reported at Mundo Deportivo