Facundo Pellistri has been named in the Uruguay international squad for the very first time.
The Manchester United loanee has been named in the squad for the country’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Pellistri joins United teammate Edinson Cavani in the squad, who is named despite missing the Red Devils’ match this week with an injury.
Uruguay are playing World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Venezuela, in re-arranged games which were postponed last year.
Surprise call for Pellistri
Pellistri’s call-up is a little surprising. His loan at Alaves has not been going very well at all.
In 2022 so far he has played only five minutes as a substitute, and has just six starts all season, with no goals and no assists, and he has not played 90 minutes once.
His struggles have led to suggestions he could be recalled, with the Manchester Evening News reporting Championship sides have shown interest in loaning the winger.
Uruguayan newspaper El Pais reports Pellistri’s call is the ‘great surprise’ of the 24-man squad for the two matches.
If nothing else, this will be a huge confidence lift for Pellistri, amid a difficult time. He impressed for United in pre-season with a goal against Derby County, before being sent back on loan.
United really should recall him from Alaves as it seems he is wasting his time there. Setting up a new deal becomes a little more logistically difficult now, with him due to link up with the international team.
Getting time with Cavani will be a bonus for him, as he has not had the opportunity to play with him at club level yet.
It would still be a surprise if Pellistri features in the international games, as currently just making the squad is a big step.
Uruguay are seventh in the Conmebol qualifying table, but just one point behind Colombia who are in fourth.
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