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Mexico Weighs Dropping Alexis Vega From World Cup Squad

Coaches say recent fitness and training showings have left his place uncertain with final practice tests set to decide the roster.

Overview

  • Coaching staff expressed concern after the friendly with Ghana, a development reported May 28 that has prompted Javier Aguirre to hold off announcing the final World Cup list.
  • Reporters say Vega did not meet the staff's physical expectations in camp and will be re-evaluated in remaining trainings and the next friendly before a decision is made.
  • César “Chino” Huerta is being viewed as the primary replacement option if Vega cannot prove his fitness in those tests.
  • Aguirre has ruled out calling players who took part in the recent Liguilla, a stance that narrows last-minute replacement choices and raises the stakes of Vega’s upcoming assessments.
  • Vega has a history of knee and pubalgia issues and returned this year under controlled minutes at Toluca with coach Antonio Mohamed; Vega publicly said on May 29 that his knee does not prevent him from playing while the team waits to confirm the squad after the Australia friendly.