Cruz Azul's Carlos Vargas out for six months with RCL rupture

Cruz Azul defender Carlos Vargas will be sidelined for approximately six months, after suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament in the game against Tigres. 

The player made his debut for La Maquina on Saturday, earning his first start since joining the team from Mazatlan FC ahead of the 2023 Clausura. But just 16 minutes into the game, Vargas was stretchered off the pitch with an injury to his right knee. 

The team has since confirmed the ruptured cruciate ligament in a message of support to the player.

“Carlos Vargas has a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee. You will undergo a surgical procedure. The discharge will depend on the evolution of the player. A lot of strength, Carlos!" said Cruz Azul in a statement.

The six month recovery period for the sustained injury would see Vargas miss the entire 2023 Clausura tournament, and a return in August amid the 2023 Apertura. His absence will be a huge blow for Cruz Azul, as the team expected Vargas to replace Alejandro Mayorga.

La Maquina is already struggling, dropping to 17th place on the Liga MX table with no victories so far this tournament. The team managed one draw and three consecutive defeats for a total of one point to put head coach Raul ‘Porto’ Gutierrez’s job in danger. Gutierrez, who initially came in as an interim manager, is rumored to be hanging on by a thread due to a string of negative results.

Cruz Azul returns to action on Sunday against Toluca, with everything at stake.