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Key Points

Injuries are not deterring Ecuador from including top forwards Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata in their World Cup qualifying squad. With upcoming matches against Brazil and Peru, their selection shows confidence in their recovery. Coach Sebastian Beccacece has emphasized their crucial role despite their current fitness challenges. As Ecuador battles for a World Cup spot, fans are eager to see if Valencia and Plata will rise to the occasion.

Key Points: Valencia and Plata Join Ecuador Squad Despite Injuries

  • Ecuador includes injured Enner Valencia in World Cup qualifying squad
  • Gonzalo Plata also named despite knee injury
  • Manager Beccacece optimistic about players' recovery
  • Squad faces Brazil and Peru in crucial qualifiers
2 min read

Ecuador name Valencia, Plata in squad for World Cup qualifiers

Injury-stricken Valencia and Plata are named for Ecuador's World Cup qualifiers facing Brazil and Peru.

"They are in a complicated situation but they are currently in the process of recovering. - Sebastian Beccacece"

Quito

, May 31 (IANS) Brazil-based forwards Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata have been included in Ecuador's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Peru despite injury concerns, the Ecuadorian football federation said on Friday.

Internacional's Valencia has missed the Porto Alegre club's past six games due to a hamstring strain, while Flamengo's Plata has been sidelined since April with a knee injury, reports Xinhua.

"They are in a complicated situation but they are currently in the process of recovering," Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece told reporters.

The Argentine coach recalled Leonardo Campana and Angelo Preciado, who missed Ecuador's last double header of qualifiers in March with injuries.

As expected, the 28-man squad includes Brighton left-back Pervis Estupinan, Paris Saint-Germain center-back Willian Pacho and Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

Ecuador will meet Brazil in Guayaquil on June 5 and Peru in Lima five days later.

Beccacece's men are currently second in the 10-team South American group with four qualifiers remaining. The top six teams will automatically qualify for next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada while the seventh-ranked side will dispute a playoff.

Ecuador squad:

Goalkeepers: Hernan Galindez, Moises Ramirez, David Cabezas, Gonzalo Valle.

Defenders: Pervis Estupinan, Cristian Ramirez, Xavier Arreaga, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie, Joel Ordonez, Felix Torres, Angelo Preciado.

Midfielders: Bryan Ramirez, Jhegson Mendez, Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Kendry Paez, Alan Minda, Yaimar Medina, Gonzalo Plata, John Yeboah, Jhon Mercado, Nilson Angulo, Denil Castillo.

Forwards: Leonardo Campana, Kevin Rodriguez, Enner Valencia.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Ecuador has been impressive in the qualifiers! Hope Valencia recovers in time - he's their main goal threat. Interesting to see how they'll fare against Brazil. South American football is so competitive compared to our Asian qualifiers. 🇪🇨⚽
P
Priya M.
Taking injured players is risky but understandable when it's do-or-die matches. Reminds me of when Sunil Chhetri played through pain for India. Hope Ecuador makes it to the World Cup - they play attractive football!
A
Arjun S.
Their defense looks solid with players from top European clubs. Pacho at PSG and Hincapie at Leverkusen are quality. But including injured forwards might backfire. Manager should have considered alternatives.
S
Sneha R.
Moises Caicedo is my favorite! Such a complete midfielder. Ecuador has quietly built a strong team. Would love to see them in the World Cup rather than traditional powers who aren't performing well. Underdogs ftw! 💪
V
Vikram J.
Interesting to see how different continents handle qualifiers. South America has just 10 teams playing each other home and away - much fairer than our complicated Asian system with multiple rounds. Maybe AFC should learn from CONMEBOL.
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Neha P.
Ecuador's rise in football is inspiring for developing nations. Shows what good youth development can do. India should take notes - we have the population but lack the system. Wishing them luck against Brazil! 🙏

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