Club América clouded by doubts ahead of crunch Liga MX clash
Ahead of this weekend’s key Apertura 2025 matchup with Cruz Azul, there are question marks over América players’ fitness.
This weekend marks the return of Liga MX action following the international break, and all eyes are on the marquee matchup: Club América visiting Cruz Azul’s ‘Máquina Celeste’ in what promises to be the game of the week. But as we count down to Saturday, October 18, there’s a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Coapa regarding what kind of lineup América will be able to field at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Head coach André Jardine has been juggling a complex puzzle throughout the Apertura 2025, trying to piece together competitive starting 11s - not just in this tournament, but throughout the year.
América dogged by injuries
Before the international window, América wrapped up their match against Santos missing a long list of key players due to physical issues: Henry Martín, Jonathan Dos Santos, Dagoberto Espinoza, Álvaro Fidalgo, Sebastián Cáceres, Allan Saint-Maximin, and José Raúl Zúñiga.
During the break, Alejandro Zendejas and Isaías Violante were added to that list after picking up knocks in national team duty and friendlies.
It’s worth noting that América provided a significant portion of the Mexican national team roster, with six players called up. However, neither Ramón Juárez nor Kevin Álvarez saw action in the two matches.
Who’s returning, who’s out, who’s doubtful?
Now, back in domestic competition and resuming full-team training, ESPN reports that Fidalgo, Dos Santos, and Saint-Maximin have returned to full fitness and are participating fully in training sessions - making them viable options for Jardine’s squad against Cruz Azul. Martín is still training separately but has begun working with the ball, which is a promising sign. There’s hope he’ll be available for selection.
Martín and Zendejas remain the biggest question marks heading into the weekend. On the other hand, there are no concerns surrounding the players who played for Mexico in recent days - Israel Reyes, Luis Ángel Malagón, Erick Sánchez, and Alexis Gutiérrez - all of whom are expected to be available.
The confirmed absences due to injury are Zúñiga, Violante, and Espinoza, who recently underwent surgery. All three are long-term losses for the squad.
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