BTN News: With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers looming, Colombia’s head coach Néstor Lorenzo faces a challenging task in assembling a competitive squad for the upcoming matches against Peru and Argentina. As the national team prepares to kick off their campaign in September, the road ahead appears bumpy, with several key players struggling with injuries that could jeopardize their availability. These challenges come at a critical juncture, just after the Copa América, where players are only beginning to regain their form as their respective leagues resume. The uncertainty surrounding the fitness of some of Colombia’s top footballers adds a layer of complexity to Lorenzo’s decision-making process as he looks to secure vital points in the early stages of the qualifiers.
One of the most significant setbacks is the injury to center-back Dávinson Sánchez, a crucial figure in Colombia’s defense during the recent Copa América. Sánchez, who currently plays for Galatasaray in Turkey, has been diagnosed with a second-degree strain and bleeding in the upper right back muscle. The injury occurred during the 89th minute of a match against Atakaş Hatayspor in the first week of the Superliga Trendyol. The news was confirmed by Galatasaray through an official statement, raising concerns within the Colombian camp. The medical team at Galatasaray is now tasked with managing Sánchez’s recovery carefully, ensuring that the process is not rushed. According to various reports, Sánchez is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks, casting doubt on his participation in the crucial qualifiers.
The absence of Dávinson Sánchez would be a significant blow to Colombia’s defensive stability. His commanding presence and experience have been vital for the national team, especially in high-stakes matches. With the upcoming fixtures against Peru in Lima on September 6th and Argentina in Barranquilla on September 10th, Néstor Lorenzo may need to explore alternative defensive options if Sánchez is unable to recover in time.
Adding to Colombia’s defensive woes is the situation of Jhon Jáder Lucumí, who has been nursing a muscle injury since the opening match of the Copa América against Paraguay. Lucumí, another key defender, has yet to fully recover, leaving his availability for the September qualifiers in doubt. The Colombian coaching staff, led by Lorenzo, has been closely monitoring Lucumí’s progress, but there is no clear timeline for his return to full fitness. This prolonged recovery adds another layer of uncertainty to Colombia’s defensive lineup.
The concerns do not end with the defense. In the attacking department, Néstor Lorenzo faces additional headaches with the injuries to Rafael Santos Borré and Miguel Ángel Borja. Borré, a trusted forward under Lorenzo, has been ruled out of the upcoming qualifiers due to a muscle injury in his left thigh. The injury, sustained while playing for Inter de Porto Alegre, is expected to keep him sidelined for at least four weeks, according to the club’s medical report. This timeline effectively rules him out of the September matches, leaving a void in Colombia’s attack.
Miguel Ángel Borja, another key attacker, is also in doubt after sustaining an injury during a training session with River Plate. Borja’s injury prevented him from participating in River Plate’s Copa Libertadores match against Huracán, raising concerns about his availability for the national team. The exact severity of Borja’s injury and his expected recovery time remain unclear, but his absence would further complicate Lorenzo’s plans for the attacking lineup.
As the qualifiers approach, Néstor Lorenzo is faced with the daunting task of reshuffling his squad to compensate for these injuries. The uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Dávinson Sánchez, Jhon Jáder Lucumí, Rafael Santos Borré, and Miguel Ángel Borja could force the coach to rely on less experienced players or make tactical adjustments to cope with the absences. The situation underscores the importance of squad depth and the ability to adapt in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Colombia’s upcoming matches against Peru and Argentina are crucial in setting the tone for their World Cup qualifying campaign. With key players potentially sidelined, the team will need to dig deep to secure positive results. The Colombian fans and football community will be anxiously awaiting updates on the injured players, hoping for a swift recovery and a successful start to the qualifiers. For Néstor Lorenzo, the next few weeks will be critical in shaping his squad and strategy, as he aims to guide Colombia to the 2026 World Cup amidst a backdrop of mounting challenges.
