Balbuena named in final Paraguay squad for Copa America

Fabian Balbuena

 

Fabian Balbuena has been named in Paraguay's final 23-man squad for the 2019 Copa America finals.

The West Ham United defender was selected by manager Eduardo Berizzo as he cut down his provisional 39-man squad on Wednesday.

The centre-back reacted to the news with a positive post on social media, writing 'Very happy for the call for the Copa America. Come on you White and Reds!'.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Muy feliz por la convocatoria para la Copa América . Vamos @albirroja ?????? #Oñondive #LoMejorEstaPorVenir

A post shared by Fabian Balbuena (@fbalbuenito) on

 

Balbuena was part of Paraguay's squad at both the 2015 and 2016 tournaments, appearing in a group-stage fixture with the United States at the latter.

This year's tournament kicks-off in Brazil on 14 June but, before then, Balbuena will be involved in a warm-up fixture with Honduras in his home city of Ciudad del Este on Wednesday 5 June.

Paraguay take on Qatar in Rio in their opening Group B fixture on Sunday 16 June before tackling Argentina in Belo Horizonte on Thursday 20 June and Colombia in Salvador on Sunday 23 June.

Paraguay are seeking their third South American title, having won the tournament in 1953 and 1979.

Balbuena will be West Ham's sole representative at the Copa America, as Manuel Lanzini and Carlos Sanchez have not been included by Argentina and Colombia respecitvely, while Felipe Anderson has been left out of Brazil's 23-man selection.