Uruguay will face Saudi Arabia in their Group H World Cup opener on June 15 without veteran defender Jose Maria Gimenez and Ronald Araujo, who both missed the starting lineup due to fitness issues [1, 2]. Gimenez, 31, had recovered from an ankle injury but will delay making his 100th international appearance, according to Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa. Bielsa said, "Gimenez had recovered from an ankle injury but the 31-year-old may have to wait to make his 100th appearance for the national team" [1].
Araujo was ruled out due to a muscle tear sustained during training [1, 2]. In their absence, Sebastian Caceres and Mathias Olivera were chosen to start in central defense for Uruguay [1, 2]. The midfield included Manuel Ugarte, captain Rodrigo Bentancur, and Federico Valverde, forming the core of the team's engine room [1, 2].
Saudi Arabia will be led by captain Salem Al-Dawsari, who is appearing in his third World Cup. Their back five will feature Saud Abdulhamid of Lens, the only Saudi squad member playing club football outside the country [1, 2].
The announcement confirms Uruguay’s lineup just days before their match against Saudi Arabia in the tournament’s opening round. The team will look to compensate for the absence of their experienced defenders through their selected starters.