Peru will travel to Montevideo to play Uruguay on Matchday 17 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, a vital match for their chances of qualifying. However, Los Incas will be without two key players: Paolo Guerrero and Andre Carrillo.
Both forwards are unable to play due to injuries they suffered while with their clubs. Guerrero, an experienced striker, has a muscle tear sustained during a match for Alianza Lima against Universidad Catolica on August 13, and will miss the important game against Uruguay.
Carrillo’s situation is more difficult. The player from Corinthians injured a ligament in his left ankle during a Copa do Brasil game against Palmeiras on August 6, which needed surgery. Corinthians head coach Dorival Junior stated that Carrillo will be out until late 2025.
Peru enters this match in a tough position, currently ranked ninth with only 12 points. Oscar Ibañez’s team needs to win against both Uruguay and Paraguay to keep their playoff hopes alive, relying also on outcomes from Bolivia and Venezuela.
Peru’s last World Cup Qualifiers match ended in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. (Raul Sifuentes/Getty Images)
Could Guerrero return for the match against Paraguay?
If Peru wins against Uruguay, their playoff hopes will hinge on the final home match against Paraguay. Local media are discussing the chance of Guerrero being fit for that game.
However, Guerrero has stated in an interview that he has not communicated with anyone from the national team regarding a return. He stressed that he prefers to focus on his recovery this time and avoid rushing back to the field.
“I am recovering well, calmly. I haven’t spoken with anyone from the national team. The team will give their best. First, we need to focus on Uruguay and then Paraguay. I want to be careful; I don’t want to rush anything, considering what happened last time. Others can step up, and I hope all of Peru will support them because they will give their all,” Guerrero explained.