Celtic Star Makes International Statement

Marcelo Saracchi completed another valuable 90 minutes for Uruguay as Marcelo Bielsa’s side edged past Uzbekistan 2-1 in Malaysia on Monday.

The Celtic loanee was handed his second start of the international break and put in a composed shift as La Celeste closed out their October schedule with back-to-back wins.

It’s a further boost for Brendan Rodgers ahead of Saracchi’s return to Lennoxtown this week, with the left-back maintaining his fitness and form through the break. Having played the first match as Uruguay captain against the Dominican Republic, there was anticipation around whether Saracchi would retain the armband.

Despite being named in the starting XI, the 27-year-old did not lead the team out. That responsibility fell to Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-half Santiago Bueno, who skippered the side on this occasion. The decision may have been a rotational call by Bielsa, with both players considered part of a developing core in the new Uruguay setup.

Regardless, Saracchi’s 90-minute outing will be seen as a strong sign of his growing importance for club and country. The former RB Leipzig and Boca Juniors man has impressed since arriving in Glasgow on loan and now adds another solid international display to his name.

Uruguay’s win over Uzbekistan, secured by goals from Facundo Torres and Juan Sanabria, keeps the South Americans in positive form heading into the next international window. From a Celtic point of view, the most important takeaway is that Saracchi came through the match unscathed.

With crucial domestic and European fixtures on the horizon, Rodgers will welcome the sight of a match-fit and sharp Saracchi returning to the fold after a productive spell away with his national side.