Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Piquerez Ruptures Ankle Ligaments, Set to Miss 2026 World Cup

Uruguay now faces a rapid rethink at left back before the World Cup.

Overview

  • Palmeiras disclosed Monday it had confirmed a rupture of ligaments in Joaquín Piquerez’s right ankle and set surgery for the coming days under Brazil’s National Center for Health and Performance with AUF oversight.
  • The left back was hurt early in Friday’s friendly at Wembley after a challenge with England’s Noni Madueke and left the field on a stretcher in a match that finished 1-1.
  • Medical estimates put recovery at four to six months, which makes a World Cup call-up unrealistic and ends what would have been his first tournament.
  • Uruguay adjusted on the night by moving Mathías Olivera to left back after bringing on José María Giménez in central defense, a likely template for the next squad.
  • Palmeiras loses a regular starter for the season run-in and will coordinate updates with Uruguay’s medical staff during his rehabilitation.