RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) — Midfielder Victor Cantillo has been called up to Colombia’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Argentina, the Colombian Football Federation said on Sunday.
The 28-year-old’s inclusion follows the withdrawals of Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma and Atalanta forward Luis Muriel. Lerma was ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19 while the reason for Muriel’s omission was not disclosed.
Cantillo, who plays his club football for Brazil’s Corinthians, has been capped just once for his country, having made his international debut against Paraguay last November.
Colombia will play Peru in Barranquilla on January 28 and Argentina in Cordoba four days later.
The Cafeteros are currently fourth in the 10-team South American qualifying group. The top four teams will earn a direct berth in football’s showpiece tournament later this year while the fifth-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff.
