Diego Forlan calls up Emiliano Martínez to replace injured Fede Valverde for Uruguay

Uruguay will head into its Asian tour without one of its key figures. Federico Valverde has been ruled out of the squad after suffering a grade 3 sprain in his left ankle, and Diego Forlan has already chosen his replacement: Palmeiras midfielder Emiliano Martínez will travel immediately to Miyagi to join the national team camp.

• Valverde suffered a grade 3 left ankle sprain during the derby against Atlético Madrid.
• Uruguay will play three friendlies between September 24 and October 6: Japan, South Korea and India.
• Palmeiras midfielder Emiliano Martínez is the player selected by Diego Forlan to fill the gap.
• The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed the change on Tuesday through an official statement.
• Valverde remains under observation following the diagnosis by Real Madrid's medical staff.

Valverde's derby injury rules him out of the Uruguay squad

The Real Madrid midfielder started the derby against Atlético, played at the Riyadh Metropolitano and ended in a 2-1 defeat for the visitors. The injury came after a heavy challenge from South Korea's Kang-in Lee, an action that left Valverde struggling with his left ankle and has now prevented him from traveling with Uruguay.

Real Madrid released the results of the medical tests through its social media channels. The diagnosis was straightforward: a grade 3 sprain in the left ankle, a significant injury that requires recovery time. The club said the player's development would be monitored closely.

Emiliano Martínez, Forlan's pick from Brazilian football

The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed the withdrawal on Tuesday and announced that the Palmeiras player would join Diego Forlan's group in Japan immediately. Emiliano Martínez, a 25-year-old midfielder, has grown in prominence in Brazilian football and now gets a chance to prove himself at senior international level.

The replacement arrives at a time when Uruguay faces a demanding run of away matches. The Asian tour will allow Forlan to keep assessing alternatives in midfield, an area where the national team wants to secure reliable depth for the future.

Uruguay's schedule: Japan, South Korea and India

The Uruguayan national team will open its series of friendlies on September 24 against Japan. The match will be played at the Q&A Stadium in Miyagi, where the home crowd will welcome a Celeste side missing one of its most consistent performers in recent cycles. Four days later, on September 28, Uruguay will visit South Korea at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

The tour will conclude on October 6 in Kolkata. Uruguay will face India at the Vybk, an unusual venue for the national team that completes a demanding calendar of long travel and significant time zone changes. For Forlan, it will be a test of squad management as well as an opportunity to give minutes to less established players.

Diego Forlan's new era in charge of Uruguay

Diego Forlan has been in charge of the Uruguayan national team since August 6, when he was appointed under-20 coach and interim head coach of the senior side. His arrival came after the departure of Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, whose tenure was defined by intensity and a solid qualification run for the World Cup.

The former striker, an Atlético Madrid legend and a hero among Uruguayan fans, now faces the challenge of giving the project continuity while polishing a talented young generation. The three friendlies in September and October will allow him to test different setups and distribute playing time across the squad.

The new faces in Uruguay's squad

Uruguay's squad for these three matches was announced on September 16. Among the notable names are Villarreal centre-back Santiago Mouriño, Betis midfielder Facundo Bernal and Getafe forward Martín Satriano, three players aiming to establish themselves in Forlan's plans.

Emiliano Martínez now joins a list that features more fresh faces than previous call-ups. Valverde's absence forces a redistribution of responsibilities in midfield, where Bernal and Martínez will have the opportunity to take on greater roles.

Frequently asked questions about Valverde's injury and Uruguay's friendlies