Malagón Is Out of the World Cup, Is Ochoa In?
The injury to the Mexican goalkeeper opens the door in goal to several keepers, including Memo Ochoa, who could play in his sixth World Cup.
An Injury That Changes the Outlook
The dream of Luis Ángel Malagón fades away. During a Concacaf Champions Cup match, the Mexican goalkeeper suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and will miss the World Cup.
On his social media, the goalkeeper expressed how painful the situation has been, as his main goal was to become the starting goalkeeper for the Mexico National Team at the World Cup that will be played at home next summer.
Naturally, this represents a major blow for Club América, which is not going through its best moment, as well as for the Mexico National Team. André Jardine and Javier Aguirre will now have to look for alternatives to replace Luis Ángel Malagón, who is expected to be out of action for around a year.
Club América’s Goalkeeping Plan
At Club América, there was already a plan in place involving Rodolfo Cota. He would serve as the starting goalkeeper in league play, while Luis Ángel Malagón would feature only in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Brazilian coach André Jardine needed Rodolfo Cota to maintain his competitive rhythm, as Malagón was expected to join the national team camp several weeks before the World Cup.
A New Scenario for El Tri
The situation with the national team is not simple either. Luis Ángel Malagón was expected to be the starting goalkeeper for Mexico, and his absence once again opens the door in goal for Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, who could appear in his sixth World Cup. It remains to be seen whether he would do so as the starter or if the opportunity will ultimately go to “Tala” Rangel.
Malagón’s absence is not good news for Javier Aguirre’s Mexico. If there is one position where Mexico has struggled in recent years, it is goalkeeper. With Malagón, there was a solid alternative; now the options are reduced, and the possibility opens again for the ever-present Memo Ochoa to defend the Mexican goal.
