Injured Mexico GK Malagón to miss Copa América

Mexico national team goalkeeper Luis Malagón is set to miss the Copa América after suffering 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 this summer tournament.

Malagón arrived at Mexico’s camp with muscle discomfort, and his status worsened as the national team continued its preparation during an ongoing stretch of three United States-based friendlies.

He underwent tests on Friday at a College Station, Texas, hospital, just ahead of Mexico’s friendly match against Brazil at Kyle Field on Saturday. The tests revealed a gluteus muscle injury that will sideline him for three to four weeks.

Against Brazil and possibly for the Copa América, the expectation is that Pumas goalkeeper Julio González will be given the start for Mexico. The 33-year-old player has previously earned just one cap at the international level.

Mexico is currently in a transition phase after goalkeeping icon 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 arrive as the fourth goalkeeper doesn’t mean that you are not going to come and compete to be the starter,” Lozano said.

“I think there is a competition between the three, they are great goalkeepers. I think they are very hungry and very eager to be in the World Cup and not only be there but also defend Mexico’s goal.”

Other prominent veterans from ‘El Tri’ such as Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez and recently San Diego FC signed winger Hirving Lozano were also left out of Mexico’s latest call-up.

At the Copa América, which kicks off on June 20, Mexico has been placed into Group B with Ecuador, Venezuela and Jamaica.

Lozano on whether Julio Gonzalez is now the new #1 in net