Rangers Alfredo Morelos is set to miss Colombia’s upcoming World Cup qualifying double header but has been given assurance by the new national team manager.
Due to the current situation with the pandemic, most of the European players will not travel home to take part in the games against Brazil and Paraguay.
New boss Reinaldo Rueda is now set to name a squad made of players based in and around South America.
It means that he will need to prepare without the likes of Morelos, Everton’s James Rodriguez and Yerry Mina, Spurs defender Davinson Sanchez and Brighton’s Stephen Alzate.
This is due to a FIFA ruling that has stipulated clubs do not need to release players for international duty in cases where there is a mandatory requirement to quarantine for more than five days upon return.
It has been said that Rueda has been in dialogue with ‘The Buffalo’ since he took over the Colombia job from Carlos Quieroz last month, in what is his second stint with Los Cafeteros.
He was quoted to have stated:
“I have been in constant communication with all the players in the UK and they are all aware that of course, I want them in this squad for the start of the World Cup qualifiers.”
“Sadly, because of the Covid measures taken by governments, there is very little we can do about getting them over here for the two matches.”
“We all know this is happening and, accordingly, we have made plans to call up other players and that’s why we held a camp this month with locally-based players.”
#LoMásComentado 🇨🇴 El delantero colombiano fue clave en la victoria del equipo 4-1 en casa
⚽ Suma 8 goles esta temporada en la Liga de Escociahttps://t.co/XWo5iOa8CJ— AS Colombia 😷 (@AS_Colombia) February 22, 2021
Morelos claimed his eighth goal of the Premiership season on Sunday against Dundee United in what was a moment of fortune.
It could be said to have been a just reward for the attacker given his contribution and industry to Rangers in that game as well as his excellent performance in Belgium against Antwerp when he was central to all of the Gers four goals on the night.