MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM
Monterrey’s Víctor Guzmán withdraws from Mexico squad due to injury: how long will he be out?
The Mexican national team will face Ghana and Germany in friendly matches in the United States without the Rayados central defender.
Mexico head coach Jaime Lozano has suffered a blow ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Germany with the news that Monterrey defender Víctor Guzmán has been forced to withdraw due to injury.
What injury does Guzmán have?
The 21-year-old was unable to complete Rayados’ last Liga MX Apertura 2023 fixture at home to Juárez on Sunday, coming off at half time because of a knee problem. There had been high hopes that the centre-back would be able to shake off the issue in time for Saturday’s match against the Ghanians in Charlotte, North Carolina, but the decision has been made not to take any risks with him just two days before the game.
Guzmán himself knew there was a possibility he could be sent home after linking up with the national team, but wanted to give himself every opportunity of being able to play after noticing some improvement in recent days.
Rayados defender “really motivated” by Mexico
Following his club side’s win over Juárez, the defender had spoken to the media about his injury: “Physically, I feel fine. I got a knock that hasn’t allowed me to train. It’s getting better but I’m not 100% yet. We’ll continue to assess it with the doctors. It’s an opportunity for me and I’m really motivated to go (with the national team). Germany and Ghana will be tough opponents and it would be a great chance to test myself.”
The former Tijuana player was on the Mexico roster that won the 2023 Gold Cup while Lozano was interim charge. He didn’t get any game time in the tournament but looks to have impressed enough to cement his place in the squad.
When will Guzmán be back in action for Monterrey?
According to medical reports, Guzmán could have begun training with the national team on Monday, the day before they take on Germany in Philadelphia. However, it has been decided he will return to Monterrey to continue his recovery there. The Rayados medical staff will run the rule over the youngster in the next few days and will advise Fernando Ortiz on when he will be available for selection.
The most likely scenario is that Guzmán, who has started six of his team’s last seven games in central defence, will be available for the next Ligx MX clash against Pumas at Estadio Olímpico Universitario on Sunday 22 October.