Diego Forlan's Debut as Uruguay Coach Without Valverde
Diego Forlan’s first training session as Uruguay’s interim head coach began with a notable absence. No Federico Valverde. No heartbeat of the midfield.
The former La Celeste icon has stepped into the dugout for a three-match tour of Asia, but his opening audition comes without his most influential modern star.
Valverde blow for Forlan’s debut
Valverde was ruled out of the trip after suffering a severe ankle injury in Real Madrid’s derby against Atletico Madrid. The knock was serious enough on its own; the long-haul flights to Asia turned it into a clear red flag.
Forlan confirmed that the medical team tracked Valverde’s ankle right up to the final deadline before the squad departed. The conclusion was blunt: the risk was too high.
"The doctor spoke with Fede and obviously he's feeling some discomfort," Forlan said. "We understand the circumstances and have to understand that the injury could swell, especially with the travel."
So Valverde stays in Spain, focused on rehabilitation, while Uruguay move on without him. Forlan, now 47 and in his first game at the helm, made it clear the player’s long-term health comes before any short-term need for his presence on the pitch.
Martinez steps in, new faces step up
With a sizeable hole in central midfield, Forlan turned to Palmeiras midfielder Emiliano Martinez as a direct replacement. Martinez will fly straight to Asia to link up with the group, dropped into a squad that suddenly has a different feel.
The interim coach has mixed fresh blood with familiar leaders as he tries to reset the mood after a bruising 2026 World Cup campaign. Uncapped trio Thiago Cardozo, Juan Rodriguez, and Facundo Bernal have all been handed their first call-ups, a clear nod to the next generation.
Alongside them, some established names are back in the fold. Nahitan Nandez, Lucas Torreira, and Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo return to give the side a hardened core and a voice in the dressing room.
Forlan’s message is simple: this tour is about collective performance and sharper tactical discipline. Results matter, but so does the way Uruguay play.
Asian tour sets the stage
The road test starts in Japan. Uruguay open their tour on Thursday, September 24, against Japan at the Q&A Stadium Miyagi in Rifu. From there, they head to Seoul to face South Korea four days later, before closing the window against India in Kolkata on October 6.
Three games. Three different environments. One big audition.
Positive results on this swing through Asia could do more than just restore confidence. They could strengthen Forlan’s claim to keep the job as La Celeste begin to plot their route towards the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup.
His first step comes without Valverde, but the task is clear enough: prove that Uruguay can win, and grow, even when their star midfielder is watching from home.
