Diego Lainez replaces Sebastian Cordova on Mexico's Gold Cup roster
Diego Lainez is the latest to step up for Mexico after replacing an injured Sebastian Cordova, who joins Alexis Vega on the sidelines.
Tigres UANL player Diego Lainez will join the Mexican national team’s Gold Cup roster, replacing Sebastian Cordova after he suffered a setback to a previous muscle injury.
The midfielder originally picked up the knock during the Liga MX Clausura, but recovered in time to score six goals in seven playoff matches to inspire Tigres to the league title. He was expected to feature in El Tri’s Nations League semi-final against the United States, before being sidelined for the remainder of that tournament.
Now, it appears the extensive training sessions under former head coach Diego Cocca forced Cordova into a relapse. Lainez will now step in, reuniting with new interim manager Jimmy Lozano after forming part of his squad during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
This is just the latest setback for Mexico, who are currently struggling with injuries and recent suspensions to Cesar Montes and Gerardo Arteaga. The two received additional sanctions from Concacaf after engaging in a physical altercation against the USMNT during the semi final on June 15.
Montes will see three additional games on the sidelines, while Arteaga was just given an extra two. Though the Mexican Football Federation appealed the punishment, El Tri will likely start the tournament without the two defenders.
Alexis Vega is also unavailable for El Tri, abandoning camp after suffering another setback to his knee injury. The winger originally picked up the knock in January during Chivas' 0-0 draw against Atletico San Luis, suddenly falling to the ground in pain before being taken off the field in a cart. He underwent a meniscectomy procedure immediately, forcing an eight-week spell on the sidelines.
Though Vega returned to action in March, the injury continues to flare up after failing to heal properly. He was replaced by Chivas teammate Roberto ‘Piojo’ Alvarado.
The pressure is on for interim Jimmy Lozano to navigate through the circumstances to restore Mexico after the disastrous Nations League campaign. El Tri kick off the Gold Cup on Sunday, June 25 against Honduras, before facing Haiti and Qatar in the group stage.