Toluca midfielder Marcel Ruiz made the heart of Vasco Aguirre, the national team coach, flutter with worry from Mexico, after suffering a knee injury in the match where the Red Devils lost 3-2 away to San Diego FC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16. A costly result, but above all, the news of one of the most valued players in Javier Aguirre's process as he prepares to announce the final roster for the 2026 World Cup, and where they were just recovering from the costly loss of America goalkeeper Luis Malagon due to a ruptured Achilles tendon that will keep him out of the World Cup. Marcel's situation made the result secondary, and the San Diego side prevailed in a back-and-forth match, with Jesus Gallardo giving the Red Devils the lead in the 16th minute from the penalty spot. David Vazquez with a brace and then Anders Dreyer with another goal put the team from the southern border of the Red Devils ahead 3-1. The United States in the MLS forced the Mexicans to go all out to try and catch the Americans, but the most they managed was in the 90+6 minute through Helinho, making the final score 3-2. Now comes the news of Marcel, whose image sitting on the grass of the Spardagoon Stadium spoke volumes, his hands covering his face, anxiety and fear reflected on his expression that it could be an injury that would also sideline him from the World Cup and, for the moment, further complicates the Mexican national team's hopes for these dreams in the FIFA global competition. The injury occurred in the first half when the skillful midfielder collided with a San Diego FC player, immediately falling to the ground and requesting medical assistance, forcing the refereeing team to stop the game so he could be attended to. The medical staff entered the field and were even planning to carry him off on a stretcher. But it was a good sign that he left the field on his own two feet; However, in order not to risk him, a substitution was requested and Nico Castro entered the field in his place. For his part,Ruiz went to the bench with his teammates.

While awaiting the official report from Toluca, Ruiz undoubtedly joins Luis Malagon of America on the sidelines, bringing the total number of injured players to nine for the FIFA international matches on March 28 against Portugal at Estadio Azteca (Banorte) and on March 31 against Belgium at Soldier Field in Chicago. This will be the last official opportunity to assess players before the preparation matches against Australia at the Rose Bowl, Ghana in Puebla, and Serbia in Toluca.

Rodrigo Huescas (knee ligaments), Luis Chavez (torn anterior cruciate ligament in the right knee), Cesar Huerta (pubalgia), Edson Alvarez (ankle injury), Gilberto Mora (pubalgia), Cesar Montes (muscle injury), and Jesus Orozco Chiquete (dislocated ankle with ligament and tendon damage) are all the players who, as of now, Now, there are injured players on the Mexican National Team.

If Marcel Ruiz's injury is confirmed to be serious, there will be 9 injured players on El Tri, but for the next FIFA window, 'Vasco' will have the players who play abroad available since these are official matches prior to the World Cup.