Tata Martino revealed the list of 31 players that will be traveling with the Mexican National team to a couple of friendly games in Europe before the World Cup in Qatar. The list has to be cut down to 26 by the time that Mexico faces Poland in their World Cup opener. Which of the players that will make the trip to Europe won’t make the list to Qatar?
Full List Of Players
Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa Rodolfo Cota Alfredo Talavera.
Defenders: Kevin Álvarez Johan Vásquez Jesús Angulo Héctor Moreno Néstor Araujo César Montes Gerardo Arteaga Jesús Gallardo Jorge Sánchez
Midfielders: Roberto Alvarado Edson Álvarez Luis Chávez Uriel Antuna Héctor Herrera Orbelín Pineda Luis Romo Carlos Rodríguez Erick Sánchez Diego Lainez Andrés Guardado Erick Gutiérrez.
Strikers: Alexis Vega Hirving Lozano Jesús Manuel Corona Raúl Jiménez Rogelio Funes Mori Henry Martín Santiago Giménez.
Martino Is Taking Even The Injured Players
Tata Martino had made it clear that he was going to wait on Raul Jimenez, and Tecatito Corona as much as he could. The two players at this point are not going to make any appearances for their clubs before the World Cup. Yet, Martino still hopes that they can be ready to at least see the field for Mexico at the World Cup. The situation with Tecatito Corona seems to be more problematic. Sevilla have not allowed him to rehab back in Mexico, and they don’t seem overly keen to have him play in the World Cup either.
The Raul Jimenez situation is awkward across the board. In one of his most recent interviews Martino mentioned that he wasn’t necessarily optimistic that Jimenez could play in the World Cup, but they were still going to wait for him. Meanwhile, certain media personalities in Mexico claim he’d be ready to go for the tune up games that Mexico is going to play in Spain before the World Cup. There was even a famed doctor, Rafael Ortega, who claimed that with some pain killer shots Raul would be good to go for the World Cup. The injury to Jimenez does come down to pubic areas being swollen, and that limits movement. So, Ortega’s solution doesn’t seem too off the rails. However, this is an injury that has caused many players to end their careers prematurely. At this point both guys wouldn’t be able to play if there was a game tomorrow.
Who Are The Other Players On The Bubble?
Santi Gimenez will probably get cut if Raul Jimenez is good to go, we’ve been saying that for a while. Johan Vásquez, and Jesús Angulo are probably fighting for a spot on that defensive back line. Vazquez has not been a regular with his team in Serie A. Even when he was Martino didn’t play him so look for him to be on the bubble. Although Angulo has been terrible in virtually all of his outings with Mexico.
The midfield is where it gets interesting. Erick Sanchez seemed to be on the outside looking in, but he’s been one of the best players for Pachuca as of late. Even better than Luis Chavez who was looking like he could start for Mexico. If Tecatito Corona gets the green light don’t be surprised if Diego Lainez gets the ax. He’s struggling in Portugal to say the least. Even if he cuts the two injured players or their replacements (Santi Gimenez, and Lainez), and one center back Martino still has two cuts to make. If Erick Sanchez does end up being cut, look for that last name to come out of these 3, Luis Romo, Erick Gutierrez, or Orbelin Pineda. Any of these 3 getting cut would likely make some headlines for sure.
