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Key Points

Colombia faces a challenging World Cup qualifier against Argentina with striker Jhon Duran sidelined by a back injury. The match holds significant implications for both teams' chances of qualifying for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With Colombia currently sixth in the standings, every point matters in their quest for direct qualification. Meanwhile, Chile's situation looks even more precarious, as they sit last in the qualifying group and desperately need a win against Bolivia.

Key Points: Colombia's Duran Out Against Argentina in WC Qualifier Drama

  • Colombia sits sixth in South American World Cup qualifying standings
  • Duran's absence could impact critical match against Argentina
  • Chile faces Bolivia with multiple player absences
  • Top six teams earn direct World Cup entry
2 min read

FIFA WC qualifiers: Colombia's Duran to miss Argentina clash; Chile loses Aravena for Bolivia duel

Colombia striker Jhon Duran ruled out with back injury ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

"Jhon has left the squad due to a recurrence of lower back pain - Colombian Football Federation"

New Delhi, June 8

Striker Jhon Duran has been ruled out of Colombia's World Cup qualifier against Argentina due to a back injury, the Colombian football federation said.

The 21-year-old complained of discomfort after the Cafeteros' goalless draw with Peru in Barranquilla on Friday and medical staff later confirmed his unavailability for next Tuesday's duel in Buenos Aires, reports Xinhua.

"Jhon has left the squad due to a recurrence of lower back pain that will prevent him from being fit to face Argentina," the federation said in a statement. The entity did not immediately name a replacement for the Al-Nassr player.

The Argentine national team resumed training ahead of the second match of this double-header South American qualifier. After the day off granted by the coaching staff, the squad resumed practice on Saturday morning.

The players who started against Chile then went to the gym to do some regenerative exercises. Meanwhile, the players who didn't play on Thursday played forty minutes of regular practice.

Colombia is currently sixth in the 10-team South American zone standings with three qualifiers remaining. The top six teams will earn direct entry to football's showpiece tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year while the seventh-ranked side will dispute a playoff.

Meanwhile, forward Alexander Aravena has been released from Chile's squad for its World Cup qualifier against Bolivia due to a hamstring strain, the Chilean football association said.

Aravena sustained the injury in his side's 1-0 home loss to Argentina on Thursday and subsequent scans confirmed his unavailability for next Tuesday's clash in El Alto, the entity said in a statement.

Chile will also be without veteran midfielder Arturo Vidal and defender Guillermo Maripan, who are suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

The Roja is currently last in the 10-team South American qualifying group and must win Tuesday's clash to have any chance of securing a spot at next year's World Cup.

The top six teams will advance automatically and the seventh-placed side will dispute a playoff.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Big blow for Colombia! Duran was in good form recently. Argentina might have an easier time now in defense. As an Indian football fan, I wish our team could someday compete at this level 🤩 The passion South Americans have for football is incredible!
P
Priya M.
Injuries are really affecting these qualifiers. Chile is already struggling and now Aravena out too! Hope Bolivia can take advantage - would be great to see them qualify after so long. Meanwhile our Indian team needs to focus on improving grassroots football.
A
Arjun S.
Argentina vs Colombia is always a spicy match! Messi magic vs James Rodriguez's creativity. Though with Duran out, Colombia's attack looks weaker. Hope it's still a competitive game. Indian broadcasters should show more South American football - the quality is top class!
S
Sneha R.
So many injuries in international football these days! Players are being overworked with club commitments. FIFA needs to address this. On another note, when will we see India in World Cup qualifiers of this intensity? We need better infrastructure and coaching!
V
Vikram J.
Chile at the bottom of the table is surprising! They had such a golden generation with Sanchez, Vidal etc. Time for new blood. Maybe they should take inspiration from how Croatia rebuilt their team. Indian football can learn from these transitions too.
N
Neha P.
The South American qualifiers are always so dramatic! Every match feels like a final. Hope we get to see some young talents emerge from these games. Meanwhile in India, we need to develop our own style of play instead of just copying European football.

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