Uruguay head coach Diego Forlán has released a preliminary squad for the November FIFA window. The list includes three players based in Argentina, creating a potential clash with their clubs' critical domestic fixtures.
The international break runs from November 9 to 17. During this period, La Celeste have a confirmed friendly against Argentina on the 13th in Buenos Aires, with a second opponent yet to be announced. This call-up comes with the team in good form, having beaten India (1-6) and South Korea (1-4) in their last two outings to string together two consecutive wins.
The three called up
The affected players are Boca Juniors forward Miguel Merentiel, and goalkeepers Thiago Cardozo (Belgrano) and Santiago Mele (Independiente). Forlán explained the decision. "Con jugadores del fútbol argentino, la prelista de Uruguay para la fecha FIFA," the manager said, confirming their inclusion.
Their participation with the national team is not guaranteed, as this is a preliminary list that will be trimmed for the final squad. This situation creates a headache for their clubs, who face decisive matches in the coming days. Merentiel, who scored in the Copa Libertadores semi-final against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã, was also on the preliminary list in September but did not make the final cut.
The calendar clash
The issue stems from a congested schedule. The final round of the Torneo Clausura is played on November 7 and 8, just before the FIFA window opens. Also, Boca Juniors have a league match against Defensa y Justicia on November 8, the Copa Argentina semi-final against Banfield on the 14th in Mendoza, and the Copa Sudamericana final against Atlético Mineiro on the 21st in Barranquilla. Merentiel's potential absence for any of these would be a significant blow.
Meanwhile, the called-up goalkeepers also leave their teams in a delicate league position. Cardozo's Belgrano are third in their group with 22 points, fighting for a place in the round of 16. Mele, who started in the 3-0 loss to Japan during the last FIFA window, and his Independiente side are eighth with 19 points, the last qualifying spot for the next phase.
Celeste context
The call-up comes during a period of transition and positive momentum for Uruguay. After the defeat to Japan (3-1) in late September, the team responded emphatically. In their last match, the 1-6 rout of India, the contributions of Maximiliano Araujo, who scored twice, and Darwin Núñez, who converted a penalty, stood out. The attack is in fine form, having netted ten goals in the last two games.
Forlán has opted not to include Leandro Lozano in this preliminary list, while Leonel Flores has been released for his commitments with the Argentina national team. The final squad will be announced in the coming days, after assessing player fitness and negotiating the availability of the Argentine-based players for November's friendlies.
