Mexico's Hector Moreno (pictured) will miss the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup due to a foot injury. (Photo: Mexsport)
HOUSTON -- Mexico center-back Hector Moreno has been ruled out of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup after undergoing successful surgery on his right foot, the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Asociación announced Tuesday.
Moreno’s issue stems from complications related to a procedure he underwent six years ago following an injury to his fifth metatarsal.
Widely considered one of the most talented defenders in the region, Moreno – a member of Mexico’s 2011 Gold Cup title winning team– was taken off at halftime of El Tri’s recent friendly with regional rival Costa Rica after complaining of pain. Currently on the books in Spain with Espanyol, the former Pumas star has made 59 international appearances.
Moreno’s injury comes less than one year after the 27 year-old’s 2014 World Cup experience was cut short following a fractured tibia sustained during the Tricolor’s quarterfinal showdown with the Netherlands.
As a replacement, head coach Miguel Herrera has called upon Guadalajara’s Oswaldo Alanis, a member of the team’s preliminary 35-man roster. The 26-year-old Alanis will be making his first Gold Cup appearance.
