From bad to worse for Pumas: goodbye to this key forward
Pumas will be without an important member of Efraín Juárez’s team, after a foot injury led to metatarsal surgery.
The storm clouds continue to gather over Pumas. As if the 4-1 thrashing at the hands of archrivals Club América wasn’t enough, Los Universitarios have now been dealt another blow: striker Guillermo “Memote” Martínez will undergo surgery on his fifth metatarsal and is expected to miss the remainder of the Apertura 2025 tournament.
Recovery from this type of procedure typically takes three to four months.
Who will replace Martínez?
In light of Martínez’s injury, the starting striker role now falls to José Juan Macías, who joined Pumas late in the transfer window. His arrival came after a failed pursuit of French forward Anthony Martial, whose potential signing turned into a drawn-out saga that ultimately ended in disappointment for the club.
After missing out on their top European target, Pumas are left with just two viable options at center forward.
With Martínez sidelined, the bulk of the responsibility will fall on Macías. The 26-year-old has made five appearances so far in the Apertura 2025, scoring twice in just 128 minutes of play.
The other option is 20-year-old Santiago López, a promising Canadian international who has come through Pumas’ youth system. López has featured in three matches this tournament, totaling 55 minutes.
Pumas boss banned from the bench
The problems aren’t limited to injuries. Head coach Efraín Juárez will miss the next two matches - gainst Chivas and Monterrey - after being suspended by the Liga MX Disciplinary Committee.
Juárez was ejected during the América match for using offensive and insulting language toward the officiating crew, reportedly shouting “f*** all of you” at the referees.
Pumas currently sit at the bottom of the Liga MX Fair Play table, having accumulated 35 yellow cards and six reds this season.
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