Ecuador manager Marcelo Gallardo has named a 30-man squad for upcoming international friendlies, featuring key players from top European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
The call-up marks the return of several prominent figures who missed recent matches due to injury.
Full Squad List Released
The list of players selected for the Ecuador national team reflects Gallardo’s reliance on talent based in Europe. The goalkeeper position sees three options: Gonzalo Valle of Liga de Quito, Hernán Galíndez who plays for Huracán in Argentina, and Moisés Ramírez of Kifisia in Greece.
The defensive corps is anchored by players from major clubs. Pervis Estupiñán, who joined AC Milan from Brighton, and Piero Hincapié, recently transferred from Arsenal to PSG, are included. Willian Pacho also joins from PSG. The backline also features Ángelo Preciado and Alan Franco of Atlético Mineiro in Brazil, Félix Torres and Anthony Valencia of Internacional and Flamengo respectively, and Jackson Porozo of Tijuana in Mexico.
The midfield includes a contingent from the English Premier League. Moisés Caicedo and Kendry Páez are both called up from Chelsea. Óscar Zambrano is with Hull City, Jeremy Sarmiento with Middlesbrough, and Pedro Vite with Pumas in Mexico. The group is rounded out by Denil Castillo of Midtjylland, Jordy Alcívar of Independiente del Valle, Martín Tello of Macará, and Anthony Valencia of Flamengo.
The attacking options are spread across Europe and South America. Kevin Rodríguez, who plays for Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, leads the line alongside Juan Riquelme Angulo of Sunderland in England. John Yeboah represents Venezia in Italy, John Mercado plays for Sparta Praga in the Czech Republic, and Keny Arroyo is with Cruzeiro in Brazil.
🇪🇨 ¡MARCELO GALLARDO ANUNCIA SUS CONVOCADOS! LA TRI SE PREPARA PARA ENFRENTAR A COSTA RICA Y BOLIVIA El entrenador argentino Marcelo Gallardo presentó la lista de 29 jugadores convocados para los amistosos de Ecuador durante la Fecha FIFA de noviembre. La Tricolor disputará… pic.twitter.com/lTL6Od2PW9
Piero Hincapié and Moisés Caicedo return to the squad
The most notable aspect of the squad is the return of two players who were unavailable for the previous window due to injuries.
Piero Hincapié and Moisés Caicedo are back in the fold. Caicedo, the 22-year-old midfielder, is a mainstay for both Chelsea and the national team.
Ecuador prepares for matches in Quito and Guayaquil
The Ecuadorian team will begin its preparations for the double-header this Monday, November 2. Training sessions will be held at the team’s complex, La Casa de la Selección, located in the capital city, Quito.
The first match will be against Costa Rica, scheduled for Friday, November 13, at the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito. Four days later, on Tuesday, November 17, the team will travel to the coastal city of Guayaquil to face Bolivia. Costa Rica, known as “La Tricolor,” will also be in action on November 17, as they are scheduled to play Argentina.
FAQ
When is Ecuador’s first match?
Ecuador will face Costa Rica on Friday, November 13, at the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito.
Which European clubs are represented in the squad?
The squad includes players from several prominent European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Chelsea, Arsenal, AC Milan, Hull City, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland.
Are any injured players returning to the national team?
Yes, key players Piero Hincapié and Moisés Caicedo, who were previously unavailable due to injury, have been named to the squad.
Where will Ecuador train for the friendlies?
The team will begin its training camp on Monday, November 2, at La Casa de la Selección in Quito.
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