After drawing with Uruguay (0-0) in their last match, now Colombia have to think about their next matches: Brazil and Ecuador, both at home. Reinaldo Rueda’s team will try to add three points against La Canarinha but they will have to play without Juan Cuadrado.
While the point obtained in Montevideo was important for Colombia, who are now fifth in the standings, a win against Brazil in Barranquilla would be pivotal for Los Cafeteros. However, Reinaldo Rueda will have to modify the team without one of its key players.
Last time Brazil visited Barranquilla was in September 2017 for the World Cup Qualifiers 2018. The match ended up in a 1-1 draw. Surely, Colombia will aspire to a similar result. But they will have to do it without Cuadrado. Check out the reasons below.
Colombia vs Brazil: Why won’t Juan Cuadrado play?
Juan Cuadrado won’t play against Brazil due to the yellow card he received during the game between Colombia and Uruguay on Thursday, as he has now five and has to lose a game. Cuadrado hit Gastón Pereiro, and despite receiving the card, there was a controversy around it. Many people believe that he should have been expelled.
Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela, supported by the VAR judges, did not change his decision. Cuadrado did not receive a red card and that angered the Charruas. However, the warning takes Cuadrado out of Colombia’s game against Brazil. He will be back against Ecuador.
Rueda could then line up Juan Fernando Quintero, who played against Bolivia and Chile during the last triple date. He also could use Luis Sinisterra, who has similar qualities to Cuadrado. While Roger Martínez could be an option too.