LIGA MX
When will Erick Gutiérrez make his first appearance for Chivas?
Chivas Guadalajara head coach Veljko Paunovic is optimistic that Gutiérrez is closing in on his maiden run-out for the Liga MX club.
This Sunday could be a very important day for Chivas Guadalajara. New signing Erick Gutiérrez is in the frame to make his first appearance for the Liga MX side when they host LaLiga’s Athletic Club in a friendly (2pm ET). What’s more, the clash could also see Alexis Vega make his return to action, having been sidelined since suffering an injury in Chivas’ Clausura 2023 final defeat to Tigres in May.
In recent days, Chivas have been at pains to bill the Athletic friendly as a potential opportunity for fans to get a first look at Gutiérrez in the red and white shirt, in a bid to ensure the highest possible attendance at Estadio Akron. Guadalajara head coach Veljko Paunovic has confirmed that the midfielder may get his first run-out for the 12-time Mexican champions, and that Vega is in contention to make his comeback.
Gutiérrez, Vega both looking good - Chivas boss
“In terms of his physical fitness, he [Gutiérrez] is progressing really well,” Paunovic told reporters on Wednesday. “We still haven’t had the thumbs-up that he’s in the kind of shape where he’s definitely ready to go, but he’s coming along very nicely. He’s training with the rest of the group and you can see his quality, his technique, his decision-making and his positioning. He’s going to bring a lot to this team.
“Hopefully he keeps on progressing as he is and we can see him play against Athletic, so that he can get some much-needed game time under his belt and he can enjoy his first outing in front of what we expect to be a decent home crowd. And as for Vega, he’s in the final stages of his recovery and hopefully we’ll see him against Athletic, too.”
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Paunovic out to extend winning run ahead of Leagues Cup
Paunovic added that Chivas’ short-term goal is to head into July and August’s Leagues Cup with their 100% Liga MX record still intact. The Guadalajarans have six points out of six so far in the Apertura 2023 tournament, and take on Necaxa on Thursday in search of their third win in three games in the domestic top flight.
“Tomorrow [Thursday] is another opportunity for us to show that we’re improving and growing all the time,” Paunovic said. “That’s crucial if this team is going to keep on breaking down barriers and pushing the limits of what we’re capable of.”
Chivas begin their Leagues Cup campaign against FC Cincinnati on 27 July.
