Mexico national team goalkeeper Luis Malagón is expected to miss the Copa América due to a muscle injury, El Tri coach Jaime Lozano confirmed on Friday.
Santos Laguna player Carlos Acevedo will replace the 27-year-old Club América goalkeeper who was the likely starter for the summer tournament.
Malagón arrived at the Mexican camp with muscle discomfort, and his condition worsened as the national team continued its preparation during a series of three friendly matches based in the United States.
He underwent testing Friday at a hospital in College Station, Texas, just before Mexico’s friendly against Brazil at Kyle Field on Saturday. Tests revealed a gluteus muscle injury that will sideline him for three to four weeks.
Against Brazil and perhaps the Copa América, Pumas goalkeeper Julio González is expected to start for Mexico. The 33-year-old has only won one cap at international level.
Mexico are currently in a transition phase after icon goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was left out of a recent preliminary squad for the Copa América. In his place, Malagón (four caps), González (one cap) and Raúl Rangel (debut earlier this week) were selected.
“I told Carlos Acevedo, just because you come in as a fourth goalkeeper doesn’t mean you’re not going to come and compete to be a starter,” Lozano said.
“I think there is a competition between the three, they are excellent goalkeepers. I think they are very hungry and very eager to participate in the World Cup and not only to be there but also to defend Mexico’s goal.”
Other prominent El Tri veterans, such as Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez and recently signed San Diego FC winger Hirving Lozano, were also left out of Mexico’s latest call-up.
In the Copa América, which begins on June 20, Mexico has been placed in Group B with Ecuador, Venezuela and Jamaica.
Lozano on whether Julio Gonzalez is now the new No. 1 in net
