A few weeks ago Mexico took a huge a hit to their CONCACAF Cup hopes when Andres Guardado was ruled out six to eight weeks with an ankle injury after a tackle from Manchester United’s Chris Smalling in their UEFA Champions League clash. A few days later, Rafael Marquez came off the field with a right groin injury and was ruled out a little over a month, meaning both were set to miss the clash at the Roseteca (Rose Bowl) against the United States.
Reports coming out of Holland suggest that Guardado has made a miraculous recovery and looks like he will be fit enough to play in the CONCACAF Cup. Guardado’s ankle has started to feel well enough that he’s started to incorporate himself in PSV Eindhoven’s training sessions with the rest of the team. It looks likely that at the very least, he will make the bench for PSV’s match against arch rival Ajax on Sunday.
With Guardado back in the fold, Mexico will at least have one of their captains back and their most consistent player from the last year. Guardado will bring leadership with him and he possesses the ability to play multiple positions in the midfield. Also, his dead ball ability and left foot shot gives him the ability to change the game with a pinpoint pass or a wicked volley.
Things are still a bit more cloudy with Mexico’s other captain, Marquez. Even though there’s more hope for him to play next week than there was a few weeks ago, it’s still unknown if he will be fit enough to make the trip. His progress has been quicker than expected and things should clear up on his status later this week when he goes through more tests. Those tests on his right groin will most likely give everyone a better picture if Mexico will be with their defensive leader. If he’s able to make the trip there’s a good chance that Mexico will play with a five man defense. If he’s out, the big question is whether Mexico will stick with the five man defense or switch to a four man back.