Uruguay name defender Velazquez for friendlies with Brazil, France

Montevideo, Nov 13 (IANS) Rayo Vallecano centre-back Emiliano Velazquez has been called up to Uruguay's national squad for friendlies against France and Brazil this month.The 24-year-old replaces Sporting Lisbon's Sebastian Coates, who suffered a left quadriceps injury in his club's 2-1 home victory over Chavez in Portugal's Primeira Liga on Sunday, the Uruguayan Football Association said in a statement, reports Efe.Other Uruguay players who have been ruled out of the matches because of injury are goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, central defender Diego Godin, full-back Marcelo Saracchi and forward Cristhian Stuani.The Celeste will also be without Boca Juniors midfielder Nahitan Nandez and River Plate midfielder Camilo Mayada, who have been released from the squad to play in the Copa Libertadores final.Uruguay will meet Brazil at London's Emirates Stadium on November 16 and France at the Stade de France in Paris four days later.
--IANS gau/bg