:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69437832/E3XjRtsWUAUmdL3.0.jpeg)
José Andrés Martínez will be representing his country at the 2021 Copa América.
The Venezuela national team announced the roster on Thursday that includes Martínez and former Philadelphia Union forward Fernando Aristeguieta.
CONVOCATORIA:
— La Vinotinto (@SeleVinotinto) June 10, 2021
Estos son los 28 jugadores convocados por el seleccionador nacional @JosePeseiro que participarán en la #CopaAmérica. #VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/LogjFaKA6G
While it’s great news to see Martínez getting the opportunity to play for his country, it means he will miss at least two more matches in a season where he’s already missed three games with a red card suspension.
Venezuela plays Brazil on Sunday, Colombia next Thursday, Ecuador on June 20 and Peru on June 27.
The Union visits Atlanta United on June 20, hosts the Columbus Crew on June 23 and hit the road again on June 26 to play the Chicago Fire.
Martínez would miss an additional game — July 3 at Nashville — if Venezuela makes the knockout stage (July 2-3) and another game — the Union visits New York Red Bulls on July 8 — if they advance all the way to the final on July 10.
Lessening the sting of losing Martínez to international duty is the performances of Leon Flach filling in for the three matches he missed serving his red card suspension.