Luis Romo suffers fresh injury blow: Will he play for Mexico at World Cup 2026?
Chivas midfielder exits early against Toluca, raising concerns for Mexico coach Javier Aguirre ahead of key pre-World Cup friendlies.
Luis Romo made his long-awaited return to the Chivas starting lineup in the eighth week of the Clausura 2026 against Toluca, sparking excitement among fans and the coaching staff. The celebration was brief, however, as the match quickly turned concerning.
Just 39 minutes into the game, Romo had to be withdrawn due to injury, sending immediate alarm bells through both Chivas and the Mexican national team.
What happened to Romo?
The problem arose during a challenge with Toluca’s Paulinho on a counterattack. Romo dropped to the ground, prompting referee Óscar Mejía to allow Chivas’ medical staff onto the field right away to tend to their captain.
After a few tense minutes, Romo was replaced by Brian Gutiérrez. He was seen pointing to the back of his right thigh, the same area that had sidelined him for three matches following the fifth-week game against Mazatlán.
Although Romo had completed a 22-day recovery - shorter than the initially projected one month - this new setback could represent a step back in his comeback, potentially triggering another extended rehab period.
How long will Romo be out? Could he miss the World Cup?
If confirmed as a recurrence of his muscle injury, Romo could be sidelined for at least a month, plus an additional week to regain match fitness. That timeline may put his availability for the 2026 World Cup in serious question.
This setback also means Mexico coach Javier Aguirre might miss the chance to evaluate Romo in upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium, crucial matches for finalizing the World Cup roster. The injury complicates planning for the national team at a critical stage.
Romo’s impact at Chivas
So far, Luis Romo has played 44 games for Chivas, contributing two goals and four assists. Despite recurring injuries affecting his continuity, he has established himself as a key player for the club.
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