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Venezuela are far from blessed with options coming into Thursday's Copa America clash with Colombia, as a coronavirus outbreak in the camp has caused several players to miss out on the first few games of the competition.

One player who will again miss out is key forward Josef Martinez, who, in the absence of Salomon Rondon, was set to lead the Venezuelan attacking line.

Having netted 74 goals in 88 appearances for Atlanta United, Martinez was set to be the main man for his nation, but a positive test has ruled the 28-year-old out of the first few fixtures.

In his absence, Fernando Aristeguieta led the line against Brazil, and he looked far from convincing in a 3-0 defeat, but is expected to keep his place due to the lack of options that manager Jose Peseiro has, with just 15 outfield players available in Sunday's game.

He will be supported by wingers Jose Martinez and Cristian Casseres, as both players look to have a greater impact than they did against the defending champions.

Elsewhere, midfielders Bernaldo Manzano and Junior Moreno will shield the back three of Luis Mago, Francisco La Mantia and Luis Martinez, while Yohan Cumana and Alexander Gonzalez are expected to act as relatively defensive full-backs.

Venezuela possible starting lineup: Graterol; Gonzalez, Mago, La Mantia, L Martinez, Cumana; J Martinez, Moreno, Manzano, Casseres; Aristeguieta

> Click here to see how Colombia could line up for this clash

Written by
Sam Varley