Diego Forlan's Interim Coaching Debut with La Celeste

Diego Forlan’s new life on the touchline has begun with a jolt.

The Uruguay legend has officially taken over as interim head coach of La Celeste, tasked with leading a three-match friendly tour of Asia. It should have been a clean slate, a fresh start after a bruising 2026 World Cup campaign.

Instead, his first major decision is to leave one of his biggest stars at home.

Valverde blow for Forlan’s debut

Federico Valverde will play no part in the tour after suffering a severe ankle injury in Real Madrid’s derby against Atletico Madrid. The midfielder was initially included in Forlan’s plans, but the medical reports forced a late rethink.

The problem is not just the injury itself. It’s the journey.

Forlan confirmed that the long-haul flights to Asia posed a serious risk of aggravating the swelling in Valverde’s ankle, so the staff ruled him out and kept him in Spain to continue his rehabilitation.

The coaching and medical teams monitored Valverde right up to the final moment before the squad list was settled. When the ankle did not respond as hoped, the decision was clear: no risks, no shortcuts. At 47, and in his first national-team job, Forlan made it plain that Valverde’s long-term health matters more than a few friendlies.

“The doctor spoke with Fede and obviously he’s feeling some discomfort,” Forlan said, underlining that the injury could worsen with travel and that the circumstances had to be respected.

Martinez steps in, new faces step up

With Valverde out, Forlan moved quickly. Palmeiras midfielder Emiliano Martinez has been drafted in as a direct replacement in central midfield and will join the squad on the road.

His call-up fits the broader theme of this tour: a reset, not just a rehearsal.

Forlan has stitched together a group that blends fresh faces with hardened campaigners, hoping to rebuild momentum after that disappointing World Cup run. Uncapped trio Thiago Cardozo, Juan Rodriguez, and Facundo Bernal have all been handed their first senior invitations, a clear signal that places are up for grabs.

Alongside them, some familiar names are back in the fold. Nahitan Nandez returns, Lucas Torreira is involved again, and Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo brings authority and experience to the back line. It’s a squad designed to be tested, not protected.

Asia tour as audition and reset

Forlan has been open about his priorities for this window: assess the collective, sharpen the structure, and tighten Uruguay’s tactical discipline. Results matter, but the way La Celeste play may matter even more.

The tour begins on Thursday, September 24, against Japan at the Q&A Stadium Miyagi in Rifu. Four days later, Uruguay head to Seoul to face South Korea. The trip closes in Kolkata on October 6 with a meeting against India.

Three games. Three very different environments. One big opportunity.

Positive performances and results across Asia could do more than just lift the mood. They could strengthen Forlan’s claim to stay beyond the “interim” tag as Uruguay look ahead to the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup.

For now, the project starts far from Montevideo, under new management and without one of its brightest stars. Forlan’s first statement as Uruguay coach will not come in a press room, but on the pitch in Japan.