Chicharito’s Chivas struggles go on
Javier Hernández won’t be involved against Puebla due to injury, as the veteran striker continues to struggle for fitness.
Once again, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández will be absent from Chivas’ lineup, as Los Rojiblancos face Puebla on Friday in a Week 11 clash in the Liga MX Apertura 2025. The veteran striker has missed several matches this season, having featured in just three games so far - and none as a starter.
A fringe figure
With ten rounds already played, Hernández has been sidelined for seven of them. His only appearances came against Cruz Azul, Tigres, and Toluca, but he has yet to find the back of the net this tournament.
In most of the matches he missed - against Atlético San Luis, Santos, FC Juárez, Tijuana, and Necaxa - he wasn’t even named to the bench. Head coach Gabriel Milito has had to rely on other options to fill the void left by the former Manchester United and LA Galaxy forward.
Hernández was included in the squad for the season opener against León and for the high-profile Clásico Nacional against Club América, but in both cases, he remained on the bench and did not see any action. As a result, his involvement in the Apertura 2025 has been minimal.
Unable to hit his stride
Since rejoining El Rebaño Sagrado, Hernández’s frequent absences from matchday squads has been down to one simple reason: recurring injuries.
While most have been minor, they’ve kept him from building momentum, and he often finds himself sidelined again shortly after returning. Other players have consistently stepped in to fill his role on the pitch.
For the upcoming fixture against Puebla at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Hernández remains in recovery, while Chivas will also be without Roberto Alvarado due to injury. Milito will once again need to reshuffle his lineup to face La Franja in Angelópolis.
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