Colombia seeks replacement striker as Jhon Córdoba misses Swiss match in World Cup round of 16 Tuesday

Colombia arrive at the clash with Switzerland without their reference striker, Jhon Córdoba, who suffered a muscle injury against Ghana and will miss the rest of the World Cup. Coach Néstor Lorenzo already has three names on his list and will decide before Tuesday's match.

Who is the main candidate?

Luis Suárez emerges as the most logical substitute. The Uruguayan has played as a number nine in the tournament, offering physical presence and the ability to lock down centre‑backs. His style fits Lorenzo's idea of a forward who keeps the high press and opens spaces for midfielders like James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz. Moreover, his experience in international tournaments adds a safety net in decisive moments.

Can "El Cucho" adapt to centre‑forward?

Juan Camilo Hernández, known as "El Cucho", has primarily been used as a right winger. His speed and knack for cutting inside create danger from the flank, but he has never been a fixed striker. If Lorenzo moves him to centre, the team would gain mobility, though it would lose a constant presence in the opponent's box. This could be useful against a Swiss defence that stays tightly compact.

What about a false‑nine?

Luis Díaz has shown at Liverpool that he can switch between the wing and the centre, using his pace to unsettle defences. A system with Díaz as a false nine would give James Rodríguez more passing lanes and allow the wingers to attack with greater freedom. However, it would mean giving up a traditional target man, potentially making it harder to finish crosses inside the area.

What role would the substitutes play?

If Díaz moves to the centre, a gap opens on the left wing that could be filled by Jaminton Campaz or Carlos Andrés Gómez. Both bring imbalance and an ability to arrive late, keeping the offensive threat alive without sacrificing structural balance.

The coaching staff is weighing these options as the clock ticks. Córdoba's absence forces Lorenzo to reshape the attack, and the choice he makes will directly affect the Cafeteros' ability to break down the Swiss wall and reach the quarter‑finals.