Josef Martinez called up for Venezuela’s World Cup qualifiers vs. Bolivia, Uruguay

For the first time in almost two years Josef Martinez will represent the Venezuelan national team on the international stage. The Atlanta United talisman has been summoned for two important World Cup qualifiers La Vinotinto will play against Bolivia and Uruguay.

Venezuela travel to La Paz to play Bolivia on June 3 before hosting Uruguay in Caracas on June 8. The 2021 Copa America is scheduled to begin on June 14 with Venezuela slated to play at least four group matches. It remains to be seen if Josef will play a part in that tournament yet.

Josef will be seeking his first cap for his national side since last appearing way back in June of 2019 when Venezuela were knocked out of the Copa America by Argentina. After a falling out with then manager Rafael Dumadel, the striker was content to focus on club soccer. His season-ending knee injury also contributed to his long absence from the national team.

Joining Josef on Venezuela’s roster are fellow MLSers Jhonder Cadiz (Nashville), Junior Moreno (D.C. United), Cristian Cásseres Jr. (New York Red Bulls), and Freddy Vargas (FC Dallas).

Since returning from injury, Josef has continually progressed every time he’s taken the field and is starting to look more and more explosive each match. Hopefully his return to the national team will give him that extra boost to get back to where he was pre-injury.