LIGA MX
Will Diego Valdés and Brian Rodríguez play for Club América in the Liga MX Apertura 2023 playoffs?
Las Aguilas head coach André Jardine has been given some good news ahead of the ‘liguila’ regarding the injured duo.
Things are looking rosy for Club América on all fronts at the moment. Not only have they qualified for the Liga MX Apertura 2023 playoffs as “super leaders,” they have the opportunity to set a new points record when they face Tigres on matchday 17. On top of that, head coach André Jardine has been told by the club’s medical staff he will be able to call upon midfielder Diego Valdés and winger Brian Rodríguez in the upcoming liguilla.
Valdés ready for ‘liguilla’
Valdés tore a muscle in his calf during Chile’s World Cup 2026 qualifier against Venezuela on 17 October and has missed Liga MX wins over Santos Laguna, Monterrey, Atlético de San Luis and Tijuana as a result.
The 29-year-old’s condition has been slowly improving and he has been told he will be ready to play when the playoffs get underway on 29 November.
Rodríguez hoping to feature in playoffs semi-finals
Meanwhile, the knee injury Rodríguez suffered as a result of challenge from Monterrey’s Jesús Gallardo isn’t as bad as was first feared. He won’t be ready for the quarter-finals but it is hoped he will be able to play some part in the semis, should América get there.
Both players have been regular picks for Jardine when fit and their returns will give Las Águilas additional firepower in attack as they chase a 14th Liga MX title, but a first since the Apertura 2018.
Jonathan Rodríguez and Quiñones carefully managed ahead of playoffs
In order to ensure they remain at peak fitness, Jonathan Rodríguez and Julián Quiñones played 45 minutes each against Tijuana on Saturday, with the former the second goal in a 3-0 win for Las Águilas.