Mexico's national team coach, Javier Aguirre, expressed concern about the umpteenth number of injured players who have been called up during his tenure, but despite these obstacles, the national strategist ruled out vetoes or privileges in assembling the World Cup roster.

During the presentation of the Cuauhtemoc Stadium in Puebla as the venue for the match against Ghana on May 22, Aguirre reiterated that he will only call up players who are at 100% capacity, and for that reason, he is closely monitoring the progress of all those injured or in rehabilitation.

“The key is the painstaking rehabilitation process; no deadlines should be set. If they tell you eight months and it's four, you blame the doctor. I'm busy, but also worried because there are several. The Mexican national team doesn't depend on just one player. The national team isn't a place for rehabilitation, it's for "Play at 100 percent; anyone who isn't at 100 percent and playing, can't come," assured "Vasco" Aguirre. Aguirre also highlighted that he is monitoring the recovery of players such as Gilberto Mora, Luis Romo, Edson Alvarez, Alexis Vega, Luis Chavez, Cesar Huerta, and Rodrigo Huescas, and even dared to mention that he doesn't believe Cruz Azul defender Jesus “Chiquete” Orozco will be able to recover. “In that sense, I'm busy with the rehabilitation of six or seven. I was with Gilberto Mora this week; he has a pubalgia problem. I spoke with (Luis) Romo and Edson (Alvarez) as well. Santiago Gimenez had surgery, Edson took a blow in December. Alexis Vega is having his knee cleaned, (Luis) Chavez is almost ready, and Cesar 'Chino' Huerta is also recovering. I don't think Chiquete will make it, which is a shame; I'm going to go see Huescas,” he said.

Satisfied with choosing Puebla as venue

On another note, Aguirre expressed his satisfaction that the Mexican national team authorities managed to secure the city of Puebla as the venue for the match against Ghana,especially because of the similar weather conditions to Mexico City, where they will play in the 2026 World Cup.

“I’m truly very happy to be in Puebla. I’ve been impressed by what the state invests in sports: resources, time, money, etc. Puebla, I insist, a World Cup stadium. I’ve come here as a player, as a coach, and now as the national team coach.”

“We already played against a Spanish team (Valencia), the people are supportive, always supporting us; you can feel the football in the air. I requested a match in Puebla, I requested an important match, and they granted it; I truly appreciate your presence,” he concluded.