Santiago Giménez won’t be returning to the Mexican national team

Striker Santiago Giménez is not expected to make his Mexico comeback in El Tri’s upcoming friendlies against face Portugal and Belgium. According to reporting from Gibrán Araige, AC Milan has requested that Giménez’s return to the international fold be pushed back.

Milan say no to Mexico’s March matches

Giménez rejoined training with his club a few days ago, as he finalizes his recovery from a right‑ankle injury that required surgery. The issue has sidelined the 24-year-old for nearly five months; he last played for Milan in late October.

Giménez is said to be fully focused on his recovery with the World Cup in mind, and he’s even hoping to help the Rossoneri down the stretch in Serie A, where the club currently sits in second place.

Even so, Milan’s front office has reportedly submitted a special request to the Mexican Soccer Federation, asking that the former Feyenoord and Cruz Azul star not be called up for this month’s World Cup tune-ups against the Portuguese (March 28) and the Belgians (March 31).

When could Santi Giménez return for Mexico?

Giménez’s international would therefore have to wait until El Tri’s final warmup games for this summer’s tournament, which Mexico is co-hosting with the U.S. and Canada. Between May 22 and June 4, Javier Aguirre’s men are scheduled to play three friendlies, against Serbia, Ghana and Australia.

The Mexicans then kick off their World Cup campaign on June 11, hosting South Africa in Mexico City in the competition’s opening game. Drawn in Group A, Mexico also face a round-robin matchups with South Korea in Zapopan on June 18, and with a still-to-be-confirmed European qualifier in Mexico City six days later.

Aiming to avoid Romo repeat

Milan’s medical staff is looking to avoid a situation similar to what happened with Giménez’s fellow Mexico international Luis Romo. The Chivas Guadalajara captain suffered a muscle injury that sidelined him for several weeks. Although he was medically cleared, he wasn’t fully recovered when he was rushed back for a decisive match against Toluca. Unfortunately, Romo lasted only 40 minutes before being forced off with a relapse in the same leg.

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