Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz will replace Ospina with either Camilo Vargas or Alvaro Montero for Sunday’s match at Arena Fonte Nova in the northeastern Brazilian city of Salvador.
David Ospina. (Photo: Twitter/@D_Ospina1)
Goalkeeper David Ospina will miss Colombia’s final Copa America group match against Paraguay on Sunday for personal reasons, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) said late on Friday.
The 30-year-old was given permission by team officials to return to Colombia to be with his ill father and was expected to arrive in his home city of Medellin on Saturday, reports Xinhua news agency.
“The Colombian Football Federation informs that goalkeeper David Ospina will be temporarily absent from the national team in Brazil for private reasons,” FCF said in an official statement.
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According to local media, Hernan Ospina has been in hospital for several weeks and his condition has worsened in recent days.
Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz will replace Ospina with either Camilo Vargas or Alvaro Montero for Sunday’s match at Arena Fonte Nova in the northeastern Brazilian city of Salvador.
Colombia currently lead Group B with two wins from as many matches and have four points more than second-placed Paraguay.
Ospina began his career at Atlético Nacional, making his debut with the club in 2005. After achieving two domestic titles with Los Verdolagas, Ospina joined French side Nice. In 2014, he joined Arsenal on a four-year deal.
Ospina has been representing his country at a full international level since 2007. Upon his debut against Uruguay, he became the second-youngest goalkeeper to play for Colombia. He has since earned over 90 caps for his nation and has appeared at three Copa Américas and two World Cups.
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