Enner Valencia will be available for Friday’s World Cup group stage match against the Netherlands, according to Ecuador manager Gustavo Alfaro.
The former Everton and West Ham forward scored twice in the first half to defeat Qatar and give Ecuador and Valencia the perfect start to their World Cup campaigns on Sunday.
Valencia was, however, the target of some strong challenges from the Qatari opposition throughout the victory, and he was substituted in the 75th minute with what appeared to be a knee injury.
In a press conference following Ecuador’s victory over Qatar, Alfaro insisted that his captain’s injury is not serious and that he will be ready to play against the Netherlands: “He was questioned at times in Ecuador, but now we can see all he gives us.
“Enner will play against the Netherlands, there’s no doubt about that.”
Fans of Ecuador will be greatly relieved by the news because they expect the match against Louis van Gaal’s talented Dutch team to have significant playoff implications.
Prior to taking on Ecuador, the Netherlands will play Senegal, who will be without their star player Sadio Mane due to an injury sustained while playing for Bayern Munich.
