BOGOTA, June 10 (Xinhua) — Colombia head coach Reinaldo Rueda on Thursday named uncapped winger Juan Otero in his squad for the Copa America in Brazil.
The 26-year-old, who represented Colombia at U-20 level, was rewarded for his impressive performances with Mexico’s Santos Laguna, whom he joined from French Ligue 2 side Amiens in January.
Rueda also recalled forward Yimmy Chara and defender Jhon Lucumi, who were absent from the squad that beat Peru and drew with Argentina in World Cup qualifiers earlier this month.
As expected, there was no place for veteran striker Radamel Falcao and midfielder James Rodriguez, as Rueda continues to put his faith in youth.
Colombia will begin its Copa America campaign against Ecuador in Cuiaba on Sunday and will also meet Brazil, Peru and Venezuela in the group stage.
Following is the Colombia squad:
Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Aldair Quintana, Camilo Vargas.
Defenders: Carlos Cuesta, Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Oscar Murillo, Stefan Medina, William Tesillo, Yerry Mina.
Midfielders: Baldomero Perlaza, Edwin Cardona, Gustavo Cuellar, Jaminton Campaz, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, Mateus Uribe, Sebastian Perez, Wilmar Barrios, Yairo Moreno.
Forwards: Alfredo Morelos, Duvan Zapata, Juan Ferney Otero, Luis Diaz, Luis Fernando Muriel, Miguel Borja, Rafael Santos Borre, Yimmy Chara.
