GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador - Ecuador's national football team has been hit with a series of injuries, including the loss of their top scorer, Enner Valencia, ahead of their critical World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Chile. Valencia, who has netted 40 goals for the national team, was injured in a recent Brazilian League game, a major blow for Ecuador in these pivotal rounds of the 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers.

The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) announced Valencia's withdrawal due to his injury, a decision influenced by medical reports from his club, Internacional. His absence is a significant setback for the team as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA double-header in November.

Further compounding Ecuador's challenges, goalkeeper Moisés Ramírez, a key player in previous matches, is also out of the squad due to an injury reported by his club, Independiente del Valle. Moreover, defender Pervis Estupiñán, affiliated with Brighton in England, remains unavailable due to injury. Another defender, Jhoanner Chávez, was forced to withdraw following an injury during a domestic league match.

In response, Ecuador's coach Félix Sánchez has called up replacements, including Leonardo Campana (Inter Miami-USA), Javier Burrai (Barcelona), Leonel Quiñónez (Liga de Quito), and Aníbal Chalá (Emelec), to fill the gaps left by Valencia, Ramírez, and Chávez. These additions are expected to bolster the team for the challenging fixtures ahead.

With the team currently sixth in the South American qualifiers standings, these upcoming matches against Venezuela and Chile are crucial for Ecuador's World Cup ambitions. The squad will commence training immediately in preparation for their away game against Venezuela and the subsequent home match against Chile in Quito, set for November.