LIGA MX
Will Chivas winger Alexis Vega return from injury to face Club América in El Súper Clásico?
Mexican international Vega has been unavailable since suffering a knee injury on matchday two of the Clausura 2023 but is nearing his return.
Good news for Chivas. All being well, attacker Alexis Vegas will be available for El Súper Clásico against Club América. Guadalajara’s number 10 suffered a knee injury on matchday two of Liga MX’s Clausura 2023 against Atlético San Luis and had to undergo surgery as a result. But his rehabilitation is now all but complete and he is back training with his teammates, which means head coach Veljko Paunovic is seriously considering playing him against Las Águilas on Saturday 18 March.
Chivas coach Veljko Paunovic: “Next week the key for Vega”
“Next week is a key week for Alexis, as he will train practically at 100%. We want him to be in his best physical condition, which means that next week he has to show us that is at the same level physically as he was before his injury. That’s what we’re going to be looking for, as well as preparing him and the rest of the team for an incredibly important game for the whole club, our fans and everyone who is part of the first team . If there are no setbacks, he will be available for the Clásico and that is what we are all focused on”, explained the Serbian coach.
Chivas fans are licking their lips at the prospect of Vega teaming up in attack with Victor ‘Pocho’ Guzmán, who was one of the club’s statement signings for the Clausura 2023. “The two of them together mean we have twice as many options to hurt our opponents, have twice as much leadership on the field and the partnership of Víctor Guzmán and Alexis Vega will add to the talent we already have. That’s very positive for the team and it gives us another attacking weapon as we look to continue our great season, because that’s our objective”, added Paunovic.
América too soon for Isaác Brizuela
The Chivas coach also spoke about another injured player: Isaác Brizuela. Unlike Vega, the winger is not expected to feature in the match against América but should return in time for the Clásico Tapatío against Guadalajara rivals Atlas, on Saturday 1 April, when the Clausura 2023 resumes after the international break at the end of March.
“Cone’ (Brizuela’s nickname is ‘El Conejito’ - ‘the little rabbit’) is coming towards the end of his recovery program and will soon rejoin the rest of the squad. He’s a week behind Alexis Vega, so next week he’ll go through what Alexis did this week. Unless he makes miraculous progress, we’re not expecting him to be ready for El Clásico but he should be involved in the friendly games we’ll play in the United States. That’s when we hope he’ll get back up to full match fitness so that he’s back to 100% when the league restarts”, Paunovic concluded.