The 2024 Copa América tournament is fast approaching, and some of the biggest football stars are unfortunately missing out. Let’s take a look at some of the key players who won’t be gracing the field in the upcoming competition.
In goal, Ederson from Brazil has been ruled out due to a small fracture to the eye socket suffered during a Premier League match. This setback has cost him the opportunity to establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper under the new coach.
Moving on to defenders, Gary Medel from Chile and Robert Arboleda from Ecuador have both been left out of their respective squads. Medel, a seasoned veteran, has not made the cut despite his vast experience, signaling a potential end to his international career. Arboleda, on the other hand, has been excluded as a form of punishment for his off-field behavior.
Another notable absence is Pervis Estupiñán from Ecuador, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Ecuadorian defense, as his attacking prowess down the flank will be sorely missed.
In the midfield, Casemiro from Brazil, Matías Vecino from Uruguay, and Arturo Vidal from Chile will not be participating in the Copa América. Casemiro’s decline in form led to his exclusion, while Vecino announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32. Vidal, known for his fiery presence on the field, has been left out due to inconsistent performances and injury concerns.
Moving further up the pitch, attacking midfielders Paulo Dybala from Argentina and Neymar from Brazil will also be absent. Dybala’s struggles to replicate his club form at the international level have cost him a spot in the squad, while Neymar’s injury last year has kept him out of contention. The Brazilian forward’s absence raises questions about his future role in the national team.
Lastly, in the striker position, Richarlison from Brazil and Edinson Cavani from Uruguay will not be gracing the Copa América. Richarlison’s injury in training forced him to withdraw from the squad, while Cavani, Uruguay’s second all-time top scorer, announced his retirement from international football after being left out of the team.
These notable absences will undoubtedly have an impact on the dynamics of the tournament, as some of the most experienced and talented players will be watching from the sidelines rather than showcasing their skills on the pitch. It will be interesting to see how their respective teams adapt and perform in their absence, as new stars look to shine in their place.
