Who’s going to miss the Liga MX final decider? Pumas and Cruz Azul’s injuries and Mexico call-ups
Pumas and Cruz Azul meet in the second leg of the Clausura 2026 final today, but both have significant absences.
The teams that win the Liga MX typically boast the kind of squad depth that allows them to tweak their tactical setup on the fly based on how a match unfolds. Cruz Azul may have more options on paper than Pumas, but both rosters are loaded with talent. Still, heading into the second leg of the Clausura 2026 final, absences could loom large. These are the missing pieces that may ultimately shape who takes the title on Sunday.
Which players will Cruz Azul be without for the second leg of the final?
Joel Huiqui only got a brief look at Érik Lira’s quality - just one match. The Mexican midfielder was called up by El Tri to represent his country in the upcoming World Cup, forcing him to step away from club duties right after Cruz Azul’s final regular-season game. After a short break, Lira reported to Mexico’s national team training camp on May 6 under head coach Javier “Vasco” Aguirre. From that point through at least the end of June—depending on how far Mexico advances—he’ll be fully tied up with the national team, ruling him out immediately for this decisive series.
Meanwhile, Cruz Azul forward Nicolás Ibáñez will also be unavailable for the title decider. The striker suffered a muscle tear in both the gastrocnemius and soleus of his right leg last month following the Clásico Joven. He’s been handled cautiously ever since, and according to the club, his return will depend entirely on his recovery progress - meaning he won’t be an option for this final.
Which players will Pumas be without for the second leg of the final?
In a situation mirroring Lira’s, Guillermo “Memote” Martínez was also called up to Aguirre’s national team squad. Interestingly, he’s emerged as one of the standout names in the group. Despite being part of a roster stacked with center forwards, the Pumas striker made his case loud and clear in Mexico’s win over Ghana on Friday, showing he belongs at that level. Unfortunately for Pumas, that same World Cup commitment keeps him away from Estadio Olímpico Universitario, meaning he’ll have to watch Sunday’s title match from afar.
Finally, Alan Medina rounds out the list of absentees for Los Auriazules. The midfielder, a regular fixture down the right flank throughout the season, was ruled out after suffering a serious left ankle fracture in Matchday 16 against FC Juárez. The injury required surgery and robbed Pumas of one of their key contributors at the worst possible time - just as they head into the biggest match of the campaign.
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