Mexico’s goalkeeper Luis Malagon will unfortunately miss this summer’s Copa America due to a muscular injury. The 27-year-old goalkeeper from Club America could be out for up to four weeks. As a result, Carlos Acevedo from Santos Laguna has been called up to replace him in the squad. This news comes as a blow to Mexico’s goalkeeping options, as Malagon was set to provide competition for the experienced Guillermo Ochoa.
Before Malagon’s injury, Mexico’s other two squad goalkeepers, Julio Gonzalez and Raul Rangel, were both relatively unknown. Neither of them had been capped by the national team before this month. However, Gonzalez, 33, impressed in a recent friendly win over Bolivia, playing the full 90 minutes. On the other hand, Rangel, 24, had a tougher time in the four-goal defeat to Uruguay.
Mexico coach Jaime Lozano confirmed the news of Malagon’s injury and his subsequent withdrawal from the Copa America squad. Lozano stated that there simply wasn’t enough time for Malagon to recover and participate in the tournament. He also mentioned that Carlos Acevedo will be taking Malagon’s place in the squad.
Both Acevedo and Malagon have limited senior international experience, with only six and four caps respectively. In contrast, Guillermo Ochoa boasts an impressive 150 appearances for Mexico. Ochoa recently captained the team in their CONCACAF Nations League final defeat against the United States in March.
Interestingly, Ochoa, alongside experienced forwards Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano and Raul Jimenez, was excluded from the preliminary squad for the Copa America. Mexico’s sporting director, Duilo Davino, explained that this decision is part of a new approach for the national team. With the World Cup just two years away and Mexico’s spot already secured, they want to focus on developing young talent and building for the future.
In their preparations for the Copa America, Mexico will face Brazil in a friendly on June 8. Their group stage campaign kicks off against Jamaica 14 days later. They will then face Venezuela on June 26 before concluding their group stage against Ecuador four days later.
Overall, Mexico’s goalkeeping situation for the Copa America has been dealt a blow with Luis Malagon’s injury. However, the team is embracing a new approach focused on youth development as they look ahead to future tournaments. With experienced players like Guillermo Ochoa left out of the squad, it will be interesting to see how Mexico’s young goalkeepers perform in the upcoming tournament.