MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s Javier Aguirre He prefers not to focus on absences, instead focusing on players who will be available for the two warm-up matches ahead of the opener. world cup.
Mexico will be without 12 regular players, including captain Edson Alvarez and five other starters, as they play Portugal on Saturday and Belgium three days later.
The match against Portugal marks the return of a symbolic match aztec stadiumIt has been closed since May 2024 due to renovation work in preparation for hosting the third World Cup in history. The game against Belgium will be played at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
The absences include six players from the team that won the Regional Nations League. gold cup last year.
“Half of the team that won two titles, built family ties and commitments and lifted the trophy today is not with you,” Aguirre said at a press conference Thursday. “That’s no excuse in any way because other Mexicans have come up in the same position and they will be challenged.”
Among the injured players are AC Milan striker Santiago Jimenez, midfielders Luis Chavez and Cesar Huerta, and fullback Rodrigo Huecas, all of whom are playing in the Europa League.
“Of the 12 injured players, there are definitely two or three who are out for medical reasons, not my fault, but it could be good news for the other players,” the manager said. “Are there any absentees? Yes, there are. They will be absent, that’s true, but we can’t rely on anyone. So far, that hasn’t been the case. So if Juan is absent, Pedro will be in.”
In addition to them, goalkeeper Luis Malagon and midfielder Marcel Ruiz also suffered recent injuries, which will keep them out of the World Cup, where Mexico will make its debut against South Africa on June 11.
Malagon’s injury opened the door for the return of 40-year-old veteran Guillermo Ochoa. Ochoa was called up to the team for the first time since the Gold Cup, where he appeared as a substitute throughout the tournament. The goalkeeper is aiming for his sixth World Cup appearance.
“Memo is an active and competitive goaltender who will help us tremendously on and off the field,” Coach Aguirre said. “He is a role model for Mexican football. He is active, healthy and works hard. I want to watch him play.”
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