Big names are missing from the Apertura 2025 play-in

Liga MX gears up for its return after the FIFA international break. Pachuca, Pumas, FC Juárez, and Club Tijuana are all fighting for a spot in the Apertura 2025 playoffs through the play-in. However, several key players from these squads are likely to miss out due to their involvement in recent international fixtures. Among them, Pumas look set to be the most depleted side because of its national team call-ups.

Who’s going to miss the play-in?

Keylor Navas headlines the absences for this play-in round. The Costa Rican veteran saw his hopes of reaching the next World Cup vanish under Miguel Herrera’s guidance. Meanwhile, Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla and Panama earned the right to contest FIFA’s intercontinental playoff, meaning he’ll also be unavailable for his club.

Other Pumas players on international duty include Álvarez Angulo with Colombia and Pedro Vite with Ecuador. Angulo came off the bench against Australia, while Vite started in the clash with New Zealand. It’s likely one or both will be rested for the matchup against Pachuca. The last Pumas player to see international action was Jorge Ruvalcaba, who featured in the loss to Paraguay.

Gilberto Mora also started against Paraguay, so expect him to be protected for the border showdown between Xolos and Bravos. Remember, in this play-in stage, the winner of Pumas vs Pachuca will face the loser of Tijuana vs Juárez.

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