Pranav Nair
Uruguay retain hope that Manchester United star Edinson Cavani will be available for international duty
According to Sport890 vis Sport Witness (h/t Manchester Evening News), Ignacio Alonso, the president of the Uruguayan Football Association is hopeful that Manchester United star Edinson Cavani among others will be available for national duty during the upcoming international break.
The Premier League teams took a unanimous stand earlier this week to not release their players for the international break, if the matches in question are to be played in red-list countries, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was made after FIFA decided not to extend its temporary exception for players required to quarantine upon their return from international duty.
Cavani, who is yet to feature for United this season, did not appear impressed by United potentially denying him an opportunity to represent his country. Uruguay are set to play three World Cup qualifiers next month.
The nation is however on the United Kingdom’s red list meaning he will have to quarantine upon his return and be unavailable for selection during that duration.
As things stand, the 34-year-old has been denied permission to link up with his national team. Alonso is not disheartened and believes an amicable solution can be found. He went on to add that clubs are obliged to follow FIFA’s instructions and cannot impose any sanctions on the players involved.
“The clubs are obliged to yield to the players and cannot impose any sanction on the players. No one can retaliate, it seems to me that FIFPro must show its voice on this issue.”
Alonso has also revealed that he has had a word with Cavani regarding the same. Given his tone, it would be fair to assume that the United striker is also keen to link up with his international teammates.
“I spoke with Cavani and I believe that the solution will come.”
Whether a solution can be found or we are looking at a standoff remains to be seen.
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Cavani has so far won 121 caps for Uruguay, a record he shares with Fernando Muslera and Luis Suarez. They are currently joint third in the all-time list of appearances for the country.
He also happens to be their second-highest goalscorer with 51 strikes. Only strike partner Luis Suarez has done better with 62 goals.
