Overview

• Journalist Enrique Vega reported that Valera has lumbar discomfort and will be withdrawn in the coming hours, with official confirmation still pending.
• La República described the problem as pubalgia and said the forward will begin a recovery process rather than risk playing the friendly in Santiago.
• Universitario sporting director Álvaro Barco urged the federation not to push the player, while coach Jorge Fossati had already noted Valera could not train fully and missed the club’s recent match.
• Valera’s expected withdrawal would be the squad’s second loss for the Chile match, following the previously known absence of Kevin Quevedo.
• The development has drawn public criticism from former players Diego Penny and Reimond Manco, who questioned Valera’s reliability for call-ups as the debate over his availability intensifies.