Colombia's Macnelly Torres out of World Cup qualifier with injury

Macnelly Torres of Colombia will miss the World Cup qualifier against Uruguay

Montevideo, Sep 10 (IANS) Colombia have suffered a blow ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on Tuesday with playmaker Macnelly Torres withdrawing from the match due to injury.

Torres was ruled out after scans showed he has not recovered from a leg injury suffered during Colombia’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador last Friday. Colombia’s football federation gave no further details about the injury, reports Xinhua.

Jose Pekerman’s side will also be without left-back Pablo Armero, who is suspended.

Uruguay have concerns of their own with Diego Lugano and Diego Godin out suspended and Martin Caceres sidelined with a knee injury. Veteran striker Diego Forlan is expected to play despite nursing an ankle sprain.

Colombia will qualify for their first World Cup since 1998 if they beat Oscar Tabarez’s team at the Estadio Centenario.

Argentina can also secure their ticket to Brazil next year by defeating Paraguay in Asuncion. Coach Alejandro Sabella will be without Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Garay, Federico Fernandez and Javier Mascherano through suspension.

In other matches on Tuesday, Bolivia host Ecuador and Venezuela are home to Peru.

Argentina and Colombia head the CONMEBOL standings with 26 points each followed by Chile (24), Ecuador (21) and Uruguay (19).