Jorge Abdiel Gutiérrez has returned to the Panama national team. The 28-year-old Universitario de Deportes left-back was included by manager Thomas Christiansen in a 27-player squad for the Asian tour during the September-October FIFA window.
This call-up comes as Gutiérrez looks to establish himself at his club under coach Jorge Fossati. He joined the Peruvian side in August and made his official debut in a 3-2 win over UTC in Cajamarca. His last appearance for his country was at the 2026 World Cup, where he featured in the 2-0 group-stage loss to England.
Panama, sitting fourth in their World Cup group with 0 points from three defeats, will use these friendlies to try and change their form. Their recent run reads one win, one draw and three losses from the last five outings. The tour opener is this Friday, September 25, against India in Bangalore. The squad then travels to Japan to face New Zealand on October 1 in Yokohama and, three days later, the winner of Japan versus Ecuador at Tokyo's National Stadium. Panama's next official fixture after the tour is at home to Jamaica in World Cup qualifying on October 15.
The domestic-based players, technical staff and remaining staff are scheduled to depart for Asia on the night of Saturday, September 19. The Panamanian full-back will thus get a chance to earn international minutes at an important juncture.
Panama's last positive result was a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina back on June 6. The team will conclude its October commitments before World Cup qualifying resumes.
More detail at El Comercio PE Deporte Total
