CARACAS, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Veteran midfielder Tomas Rincon is set to miss Venezuela's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Peru in Lima because of a hamstring injury.
The 35-year-old Santos player sustained the injury during the final stages of Venezuela's goalless home draw against Ecuador on Thursday.
Local media reports said the former Juventus, Torino and Sampdoria enforcer would not travel with the national squad to the Peruvian capital.
The Vinotinto will also be without Philadelphia Union midfielder Jose Martinez for Tuesday's match against the Blanquirroja due to suspension.
Venezuela, who is bidding for a place in the World Cup for the first time, is currently fourth in the 10-team South American group with eight points from its first five qualifiers. Peru is last with just one point.
The top six teams at the end of the qualifying tournament will be guaranteed of a place in football's showpiece tournament, to be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The seventh-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff. ■
