A collarbone injury will keep Jesus Corona (white jersey) out Mexico's World Cup qualifiers in September. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY – Injuries are taking a toll on Mexico as it continues preparing for the final two matches in the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Asociación announced that three players -- Paul Aguilar, Nestor Araujo and Jesus Corona – will miss out on matches against El Salvador (September 2, away) and Honduras (September 6, home) due to various ailments.
A left hip injury has sidelined Club America full-back Aguilar, who will be replaced by Guadalajara midfielder Orbelin Pineda. The uncapped 20-year-old has started all seven of Chivas’ games in the 2016 Liga MX Apertura.
Santos defender Nestor Araujo will sit out due to a right-knee problem. In his place, 24-time capped Hugo Ayala has been called in from Tigres.
The offense took a hit as a right collarbone injury to attacking midfielder Jesus Corona means that Leon’s Elias Hernandez will get a chance to increase his 12-cap total. Corona suffered a right collarbone injury in Porto’s 2-1 loss at Sporting Lisbon over the weekend.
Mexico tops the Group A table with a perfect 4W-0D-0L record and is already assured of a place in the CONCACAF Hexagonal.
