The participation of Uruguay defender Joaquín Piquerez in this summer’s World Cup is uncertain following an ankle injury sustained during a challenge with Noni Madueke at Wembley on Friday.
In the early stages of the first half of Uruguay’s match against England, Piquerez experienced a ligament tear in his right ankle due to a seemingly innocuous collision with Madueke, who also exited the match due to injury later on.
He was promptly substituted and was carried off the field on a stretcher.
Sources have informed ESPN that while the injury is a significant setback, it has not completely eliminated Piquerez’s prospects of participating in the World Cup this summer. He is scheduled to have surgery in the upcoming days at his club, Palmeiras.
The medical team of the AUF (Uruguayan Football Association) will oversee his recovery.
Madueke also left the match with an injury that may be more serious than initially anticipated.
“I’m concerned, of course, because I believe he was a key player today,” Tuchel remarked regarding Madueke’s injury.
“[I’m] very saddened and upset and I hope it’s not a significant injury.”
– 2026 World Cup playoffs: Who will claim the final six spots?
– Arsenal’s international injuries explained
– Why are Wales playing Northern Ireland in a dead rubber?
Information from ESPN Brasil contributed to this report.
