Bielsa shoulders blame for Uruguay injuries as flight delay hits World Cup preparations

Injury toll and Bielsa's response

Ahead of Monday's Group H opener against Saudi Arabia at Hard Rock Stadium, Uruguay are dealing with a spate of injuries. Defender Ronald Araujo suffered a muscle tear in training, joining Jose Maria Gimenez (ankle) and Giorgian de Arrascaeta (calf) on the injury list. Coach Marcelo Bielsa, who addressed media on Sunday night, defended his medical team's work but accepted culpability.

“A muscle tear during recovery and preparation must necessarily be interpreted as a mistake. Regarding whether we didn't take all the necessary measures to prevent it, we took absolutely all the necessary measures.”

Bielsa compared Gimenez's and Arrascaeta's recoveries, noting that all decisions were made with input from the players and their club doctors. He confirmed that despite the setbacks, Uruguay will stick to his signature attacking, possession-heavy style.

Travel disruption

Uruguay's journey from a training base in Cancún to Miami was delayed on Sunday by an airline permitting error, according to FIFA. The squad was held for several hours. Bielsa dismissed concerns: "The flight caused no problem."

Defender Gimenez said the team used the delay to rest. The hold-up forced the cancellation of a scheduled press conference, but Bielsa and Gimenez eventually spoke at Hard Rock Stadium.

Saudi Arabia's ambition

Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis insisted his team will not be passive. He emphasised readiness to press, counterattack and create chances, drawing on the memory of Saudi Arabia's famous 2022 win over Argentina. Donis noted that exposure to global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Saudi Pro League has removed any intimidation factor.

“We are preparing a team that will play with confidence. We are ready to press our opponent. We are ready to play organised defence. We are ready to counterattack.”

He admitted the seven-week preparation window since his appointment was short, but said his squad had quickly absorbed his philosophy.

Uruguay's transition

Uruguay enter the tournament without retired forwards Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani. The attacking burden falls on Liverpool's Darwin Nunez (13 goals in 36 caps) and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, who is expected to drive the team. For the first time, all 26 squad members play their club football outside Uruguay. Probable lineups suggest a 4-3-3 with Valverde, Ugarte and Bentancur in midfield.

The match kicks off at midnight local time in Miami, as the 48-team World Cup continues across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Group H also includes Spain and Cape Verde.