Colombia manager Néstor Lorenzo won’t be able to rely upon Crystal Palace’s Jefferson Lerma for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Ecuador.
The midfielder picked up an injury in Crystal Palace’s 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last month and has been sidelined since then.
Former Colombia international Mauricio Serna had a detailed chat with Blu Radio’s Blog Deportivo and his comments are relayed by Noticias Caracol.
Serna operated in the middle of the pitch during his playing career. He’s of the belief La Tricolor will miss the Crystal Palace player for this month’s fixtures.
“I always observe in any team who that midfielder is and what his characteristics are. Lerma fulfils multiple roles, but he does them all well; I love Lerma’s football, I’m passionate about it,” he said.
“There are players who can play, but with other characteristics. Let’s wait and see what choice the coach has. But the important thing is that, although Lerma’s absence may be felt, there are players with different characteristics who can fulfil the same function.”
Prior to the injury setback, the Colombia international made seven appearances for the Eagles this season. The 30-year-old’s contract at Crystal Palace lasts until 2026, with an option for another year.
Serna is currently part of Boca Juniors’ sporting leadership and was asked which Colombia players he would like to sign for the Argentine club. When responding to it, the 56-year-old mentioned Lerma, Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and Rayo Vallecano’s James Rodríguez.
“You have to ask [chairman Juan Román] Riquelme, I am Chicho Serna,” Serna explained.
“I repeat, when there are great players, and more so at this club that has a very rich history with Colombians, Colombian players will always be in our sights, undoubtedly.
“I would like to have James, Díaz, I love Lerma, and I would like to have him to play for us next Wednesday and defend our colours. But they are dreams, they are players who are far away. You never know what could happen.”
Despite publicly talking about his dream, Serna is aware it won’t be easy for Boca Juniors to take Lerma away from Crystal Palace.
