The report says Araújo remains with the squad but is not expected to lead the defence from the start. That would leave Sebastián Cáceres and Mathías Olivera as the likely central pairing in front of Fernando Muslera.
Guillermo Varela and Juan Manuel Sanabria are also expected to retain their places at full-back. Without Araújo’s physical presence and recovery ability, Uruguay may need to defend with tighter spacing rather than relying on individual interventions. That could be particularly important if Cape Verde attack the channels behind the full-backs.
At the other end, Canobbio appears to be the leading candidate to replace Viñas. The change would give Uruguay more movement around Núñez, rather than another forward operating in a similar central lane.
Núñez is still expected to start despite being substituted at half-time in the previous match. The report says Bielsa continues to value the striker’s energy, making his response against Cape Verde one of the key storylines.
Canobbio’s pressing and willingness to run wide could create more room for Núñez to attack the penalty area. It would also allow Uruguay to apply pressure higher up the pitch, an area where the team needs a sharper collective response.
Manuel Ugarte also faces a significant test after a below-par display against Saudi Arabia led to his substitution. Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to remain alongside him, with Federico Valverde and Maximiliano Araújo providing additional drive from wider positions.
The final decision on Araújo’s fitness may determine the shape of the entire XI. Sunday’s match will show whether Bielsa’s adjustments are temporary responses or the beginning of a broader reset.