Overview
- The Federación Peruana de Fútbol confirmed that defender Fabio Gruber has been removed from the national team roster because of an injury sustained after playing for FSV Mainz 05.
- Coach Mano Menezes named Alfonso Barco as an emergency replacement to fill Gruber’s spot on the squad.
- Gruber had been in strong club form for Mainz in the Bundesliga and started in the club’s recent win before finishing that match with the discomfort that led to his withdrawal.
- The call-up change applies to Peru’s scheduled FIFA friendlies against the United States, Mexico, Canada and Colombia and the squad stands ready for the North American tour.
- Barco’s arrival gives him a chance to press for minutes with the national team while Gruber targets recovery for future windows and clubs’ fitness concerns continue to shape last‑minute international rosters.