Peru cut defender Abram from World Cup squad

Peru coach Ricardo Gareca has confirmed his 23-man squad for the FIFA World Cup in Russia, leaving out Velez Sarsfield centre-back Luis Abram.

The announcement followed Peru's 2-0 victory over Scotland in an international friendly here as the players bid farewell to local fans on Tuesday ahead of their first World Cup appearance since 1982, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We thank Luis for his professionalism and dedication every time he is with the national team," the Peruvian Football Federation said in a statement on Wednesday.

"We have no doubt that we will call upon him soon because of his talent and dedication," it added.

Abram, capped four times for Peru, wished the team well and said he would be supporting his colleagues from afar.

"It's not a 'goodbye' but a 'see you soon'," the 22-year-old said on Twitter.

"I want to take this opportunity to wish the team the best because they deserve it."

Peru will begin their World Cup campaign against Denmark on June 16 before also meeting France and Australia in Group C.

Gareca's men will fine-tune their preparations with a clash with Saudi Arabia on June 3 followed by another friendly against Sweden six days later.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese (Veracruz), Carlos Caceda (Veracruz), Jose Carvallo (Universidad Tecnica).

Defenders: Luis Advincula (Lobos), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Aldo Corzo (Universitario de Deportes), Nilson Loyola (Melgar), Christian Ramos (Veracruz), Alberto Rodriguez (Junior), Anderson Santamaria (Puebla), Miguel Trauco (Flamengo).

Midfielders: Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo), Edison Flores (Aalborg BK), Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria Guimaraes), Renato Tapia (Feyernoord), Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City), Pedro Aquino (Lobos), Wilder Cartagena (Veracruz), Sergio Pena (Granada), Andy Polo (Portland Timbers)

Forwards: Andre Carrillo (Watford), Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia), Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv).

--IANS

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