La paz: Leganes defender Lucas Macazaga has been ruled out of Bolivia’s friendlies against Jordan and Russia due to injury, the Bolivian Football Federation announced on Wednesday. The absence of the 19-year-old defender necessitated a change in La Verde’s lineup for the upcoming matches.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Macazaga will be replaced by Bulgaria-based winger Jose Martines. The federation’s statement, however, did not provide specific details regarding the nature of Macazaga’s injury. Martines, who has only one previous appearance for Bolivia, played in a 2-1 friendly defeat against Panama in 2023.

Bolivia is set to face Jordan in Istanbul on Friday, followed by a match against Russia in Moscow on Tuesday. Under the guidance of coach Oscar Villegas, the team recently secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs with a notable 1-0 victory over Brazil in El Alto during the final matchday of the South American qualifiers in September. La Verde is aiming for its first World Cup finals appearance since the 1994 tournament held in the United States.