BOGOTA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Colombia head coach Carlos Queiroz on Thursday included uncapped center-back John Lucumi in his final 23-man squad for the Copa America in Brazil.
Lucumi, 20, enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Racing Genk, whom he helped to the Belgian first division title.
Queiroz also named Pachuca midfielder Edwin Cardona and Monterrey defender Stefan Medina, both of whom were left out of Colombia's 2018 World Cup campaign.
As expected, midfielder James Rodriguez, striker Radamel Falcao and goalkeeper David Ospina are part of the squad for the continental tournament, to be held in Brazil from June 14 to July 7.
But there was no place for Barcelona defender Jeison Murillo, Boca Juniors full-back Frank Fabra and Villarreal forward Carlos Bacca, who endured frustrating seasons for their respective clubs.
"It's very difficult for a coach [to leave players out]," Queiroz told a news conference here. "But I'm not closing the doors or excluding anyone. Some of those who are named made it because of the coach's criteria and on merit. There are others who did not make it that have merit and great quality, but they did not meet the criteria for [this tournament]," the Portuguese added.
Colombia will debut in the Copa America against Argentina on June 15 before meeting Qatar and Paraguay in the group stage.
The Cafeteros will warm up for the competition with friendlies against Panama on June 3 and Peru three days later.
Following is the Colombia squad:
Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Napoli), Alvaro Montero (Deportes Tolima), Camilo Vargas (Deportivo Cali).
Defenders: Santiago Arias (Atletico Madrid), Stefan Medina (Monterrey), Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham), Yerry Mina (Everton), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), John Janer Lucumi (Racing Genk), Cristian Borja (Sporting Lisbon), William Tesillo (Leon).
Midfielders: James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich), Mateus Uribe (America), Wilmar Barrios (Zenit St Petersburg), Gustavo Cuellar (Flamengo), Jefferson Lerma (Bournemouth), Edwin Cardona (Pachuca), Juan Cuadrado (Juventus).
Forwards: Luis Muriel (Fiorentina), Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta), Luis Diaz (Junior), Roger Martinez (America).
