Honduras under-20 star Kevin Alvarez (#2) is looking forward to helping Olimpia achieve success in the 2015 Clausura and 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League. (Photo: Mexsport)
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – After helping Honduras earn a ticket to the next FIFA U-20 World Cup, Olimpia right-back Kevin Alvarez is hopeful that he’ll recover from a right-hamstring injury that he sustained at the recently-completed CONCACAF Under-20 Championship.
The 18-year-old played in three of the Catrachos’ six games in Jamaica, including the entire 90 minutes in Saturday’s 2-1 playoff win over Guatemala, which sealed a spot at New Zealand 2015.
“I am going to present myself for the team’s training,” said Alvarez to the local media. “I have to rest so that nothing more serious happens and I have to abide by the Olimpia doctor’s orders.”
Although it was difficult for him to miss three matches during Honduras’ U-20 campaign, he maintained that it was wise to be cautious.
“Yes, it was a nuisance and I was playing those last matches with heart, since I had a sore right hamstring,” explained Alvarez. “I had to take it slow because the muscle first contracts and then it tears and it would be dangerous if I had played more.”
Despite not being able to contribute as much as he would have preferred, Alvarez was delighted by Honduras’ success and its first return to the U-20 World Cup since 2009.
“I am grateful to God because we were able to reach the World Cup,” remarked Alvarez. “Now that we are back in the country, it’s time for us to concentrate on the team and to be able to fight for a place.”
Before the World Cup, however, an important six months are on tap for Olimpia in the 2015 Clausura and the CONCACAF Champions League.
"Everything is for the best because one must work more,” Alvarez finished. “At Olimpia, there are always demands, where no one gives anything to anyone and we all want to play every game, the league, the Champions League and I must work in order to be well.”
