Santos players Marcelo Contreras and Miguelito have been called up to the Bolivia national team for June friendlies, with La Verde set to face Scotland on June 6 and Algeria on June 10. The announcement was made by coach Oscar Villegas, who included 27 players in the squad. One notable omission is striker Enzo Monteiro, who is also owned by Santos but is currently on loan at Chungbuk Cheongju in South Korea.
Contreras, a defender, has been playing for Santos’ under-20 team and is expected to miss the junior squad’s derby against Palmeiras in the Brazilian youth championship because of his national team duty. Miguelito, an attacking midfielder, should not face any issues with the professional side, as Santos’ calendar is paused and will resume in July after the Club World Cup.
Bolivia enters the friendlies after missing out on a World Cup berth. In early April, the team lost to Iraq in a playoff and failed to secure qualification for the tournament. The June matches will serve as part of the national team’s preparations and evaluation process under Villegas.
Miguelito has recently earned a place in Santos’ starting lineup and was one of the standouts in the club’s 3-0 win over Cuenca on Tuesday, May 26, at Vila Belmiro, a result that sealed Santos’ place in the playoff round of the Copa Sul-Americana. Despite his improved form, his contract has not yet been renewed. His current deal runs until April 24, 2027.
Contreras is also in good form at youth level. He started for the under-20 side and scored in the 1-1 draw with Botafogo on Wednesday, May 27, at CT Rei Pelé, in the Brazilian youth competition. His contract with Santos expires in June next year, and it also has not been extended yet.
Both players remain important prospects for Santos and Bolivia, as the club continues to monitor their development while the national team uses the June fixtures to assess options for the future.
