Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri has been included in the Uruguay squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Spanish side Alaves, has been included in manager Diego Alonso's 26-man squad, despite not playing a single minute for United so far this season. He has been named as a substitute in each of the Reds' last 12 matches, but has not once been called upon by Erik ten Hag.
He is still waiting to make his senior debut for the club since arriving at Old Trafford from Penarol in October 2020. He has been overlooked time and time again this season, even when the Reds have been starved of options on the right-wing, just as they were against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup on Thursday evening.
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Ten Hag opted to deploy Bruno Fernandes on the right-wing, although Pellistri was on the bench, as was Anthony Elanga. Last week, Pellistri's agent admitted that it is likely that the Uruguayan will leave Old Trafford following the World Cup.
Now, the World Cup could act as Pellistri's opportunity to put himself in the shop window ahead of the January transfer window. He has been a regular fixture for his country this calendar year, earning all of his seven senior caps in 2022.
He has racked up three assists for the South American outfit during that time, two of which came in a 4-1 win over Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier. His form for his country was always likely to bag him a place in their final squad, even though opportunities at club level have been non-existent.
Meanwhile, former United striker Edinson Cavani has also been included in the squad. The 35-year-old, who is now at Valencia, has been to the last three World Cups and has scored five goals in 14 appearances at the finals.
Uruguay will kick off their World Cup campaign against South Korea on Thursday, November 24. They are joined in Group H by Portugal and Ghana.
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