It has been confirmed that Real Madrid will not release striker Alvaro Rodriguez to play for Uruguay at the Under-20 World Cup.

Rodriguez scored five goals to help Uruguay finish runners-up behind Brazil at the U20 South American championship held in Colombia earlier this year, but will not join his mates in the World Cup proper, in the tournament that will take place in Argentina from May 20 until June 11.

Rodriguez wish is to play in the World Cup, but Madrid are keen to hang on to the teenage striker for the rest of the season.

“We received notification from Real Madrid that they will not be able to loan the player on the dates that were requested,” Marcelo Garcia, head of the Uruguay’s national team youth programme, has said.

“There is not much that we can do and now we have to focus and look forward.”

“We understand Alvaro is also important for Real Madrid,” Garcia said. “For us he is a fundamental player considering what he showed at the South American tournament.

“Unfortunately, Uruguay coach Marcelo Broli will not be able to count on Alvaro … There was even the will of the footballer.”

The 18-year-old has made six appearances for Madrid’s first team this season, but his last appearance was on March 11 when he came on as a late substitute in a 3-1 win against Espanyol.