Is Johan Vásquez Set For A Return To The Mexican National Team?
The Genoa defender hasn’t been able to feature for the Mexican team due to an injury that, although improving, still leaves him in doubt for the match against Suriname.
Javier Aguirre is ready to throw everything he’s got at securing Mexico’s spot in the next round of the 2025 Gold Cup when they face Suriname this Wednesday. The Vasco is reportedly planning at least three changes to the starting XI that opened against Dominican Republic, as injuries continue to plague El Tri — with Johan Vásquez among the most notable absences.
Why has Johan Vásquez been out?
The Genoa defender missed the final match of the Serie A season due to an ankle injury, which also kept him out of the friendlies against Switzerland and Turkey. Although his recovery has gone well, the former Pumas UNAM player remains a doubt for Aguirre’s starting lineup against Suriname. The coaching staff is reluctant to rush him back and risk a setback.
What are Aguirre’s options?
The defense has been one of the biggest headaches for El Tri’s boss — and the match against the Dominicans only confirmed that. The backline experiments haven’t worked, and getting Vásquez back would be key to strengthening the defense.
If Vásquez isn’t fit to start, it looks like César Montes and Israel Reyes will once again anchor the center of defense, despite all the criticism they faced after Mexico’s opening match in this Gold Cup.
What’s next for El Tri?
After Wednesday’s clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Mexico will face Costa Rica, led by Miguel Herrera, who has already stirred the pot with comments that haven’t gone down well with the Mexican press. That match will close out the group stage as El Tri looks to defend the title they won in 2023.
