Valverde, Núñez, Araújo coming to India! Uruguay names star-studded squad for Kolkata clash

Kolkata: Uruguay have announced a star-studded squad for the upcoming September-October FIFA international window, with several of their biggest names set to feature as new head coach Diego Forlán begins his tenure.

The squad, announced on September 5, includes a blend of established internationals and emerging players across all departments ahead of Uruguay's much-anticipated clash against India.

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde headlines the selection, with Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Torreira, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Facundo Pellistri, Maximiliano Araújo and Brian Rodríguez also included.

Uruguay's defence features plenty of international experience, with Ronald Araújo, José María Giménez, Nahitan Nández, Guillermo Varela, Mathías Olivera and Sebastián Cáceres among those selected.

The goalkeeping department includes Santiago Mele, Cristopher Fiermarín, Ignacio de Arruabarrena, Sebastián Jaume and Thiago Cardozo.

Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez leads the attacking options. He will be joined by Miguel Merentiel, Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Viñas, Martín Satriano and Álvaro Rodríguez.

The squad announcement marks the beginning of a new era for Uruguay following Marcelo Bielsa's departure. Former Uruguay star Diego Forlán has taken charge of both the senior national team and the Under-20 side.

A 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner and 2011 Copa América champion, Forlán scored 36 goals in 112 appearances for Uruguay. During his club career, he represented Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan, besides playing in the Indian Super League for Mumbai City FC.

Now stepping into the role of head coach, Forlán will look to make an immediate impact as Uruguay prepare for their upcoming international fixtures.

With stars such as Valverde, Núñez, Ronald Araújo and Giménez in the squad, the September-October window will provide an early indication of Forlán's plans for the next phase of Uruguay's national team.

Kolkata is preparing for the arrival of the highly rated Uruguay side, while India, coached by Khalid Jamil, will look to produce a strong performance against the South American giants.

The much-anticipated encounter on October 6 is expected to be a major attraction for Indian football fans, offering them the chance to watch several of Uruguay's biggest stars in action on home soil.

Uruguay Squad: FIFA International Window

Goalkeepers: Santiago Mele (Junior), Cristopher Fiermarín (Defensa y Justicia), Ignacio de Arruabarrena (Arouca), Sebastián Jaume (Boston River), Thiago Cardozo (Unión)

Defenders: Kevin Amaro (Boston River), José Luis Rodríguez (Vasco da Gama), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Nahitan Nández (Al-Qadsiah), Santiago Mouriño (Alavés), Nicolás Marichal (Dynamo Moscow), Ronald Araújo (Barcelona), Alexander Barboza (Botafogo), José María Giménez (Atlético Madrid), Juan Rodríguez (Boston River), Sebastián Boselli (Getafe), Santiago Bueno (Wolverhampton), Sebastián Cáceres (América), Mathías Olivera (Napoli), Joaquín Piquerez (Palmeiras), Lucas Olaza (Krasnodar), Marcelo Saracchi (Boca Juniors), Juan Manuel Sanabria (Atlético San Luis)

Midfielders: Emiliano Martínez (Midtjylland), Lucas Torreira (Galatasaray), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Facundo Bernal (Fluminense), Santiago Homenchenko (Querétaro), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Agustín Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense), Matías Abaldo (Gimnasia LP), Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos), Luciano Rodríguez (Cruzeiro), Maximiliano Araújo (Sporting CP), Lucas Villalba (Botafogo), Brian Rodríguez (América), Rodrigo Zalazar (Braga), Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo)

Forwards: Martín Satriano (Lens), Agustín A. Martínez (Defensor Sporting), Rodrigo Aguirre (América), Federico Viñas (Real Oviedo), Miguel Merentiel (Boca Juniors), Darwin Núñez (Liverpool), Álvaro Rodríguez (Getafe). (ANI)