Club América’s head coach, Andre Jardine, announced that Mexico national team goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón sustained a “serious injury” that appears to be an Achilles tear during Tuesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup victory against the Philadelphia Union, which jeopardizes his chances of participating in the World Cup.
“It looks like it could be a serious injury. We’ll see, but it seems to be an Achilles tendon injury. Hopefully, it’s not a complete tear; however, it likely is at least a partial rupture, which would keep him sidelined for a considerable period,” the Liga MX coach remarked following the team’s 1-0 triumph over the Union.
“While the win was significant, there was a prevailing sense of sadness regarding Malagón’s injury; we hold him in high regard.”
Malagón fell to the ground in pain in the first half due to a non-contact injury to his left foot, leading to his substitution in the 42nd minute for backup goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.
Shortly after the incident, Club América released a statement indicating that Malagón will undergo tests to assess the severity of his injury. After the final whistle, Jardine almost confirmed the likelihood of an Achilles tear. Regardless of the injury’s specifics, as previously mentioned by the Club América coach, Malagón is unlikely to return to play anytime soon.
With only three months to go before the World Cup and Malagón’s status uncertain, Chivas goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel seems to have a slight advantage for Mexico’s starting goalkeeper position. Other candidates include Santos Laguna’s Carlos Acevedo and veteran Guillermo Ochoa, who is 40 years old.
As for Club América, Cota is now expected to take over as the starting goalkeeper for the Mexico City team, which will face Mazatlán at home in Liga MX on Sunday, followed by hosting the Union in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 match on March 18.