COPENHAGEN -- Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio confirmed that Porto's Diego Reyes still has a chance of making Mexico's World Cup squad, despite the 25-year-old not being down on the team-sheet for El Tri's 2-0 loss to Denmark on Saturday.
Reyes hasn't played since May 6 due to a right hamstring injury and the game against Denmark had appeared to be his last chance to prove he is fit for Russia 2018.
"We agreed to do some medical examinations in the week, we'll look at the images, get his opinion, give ours and make the decision," stated Osorio in a news conference after the game.
Pachuca midfielder Erick Gutierrez is already with the squad and on standby in case Reyes doesn't pass the tests. Reyes had been a regular under Osorio and looked like being a starter in Mexico's opening game against Germany on June 17.
There was better news for Mexico, however, with midfielder Andres Guardado and center-back Hector Moreno both playing the first 45 minutes on their returns from injuries.
"I think that while they [Moreno, Guardado and Hector Herrera] were on the pitch we controlled the game very well and it was very even," said Osorio, adding that changes -- designed to give players minutes -- affected the team in the second half.
Mexico's starting XI against Denmark surprised many, with players such as Javier Hernandez, Miguel Layun, Hirving Lozano and Carlos Vela -- who didn't play a single minute -- left on the bench.
But Osorio was left satisfied with the first-half display and knows exactly what his plan is to take on world champion Germany in Moscow.
"For the next game, we know what we plan to do strategically and have the starting team we'll play and I think we'll improve and [hopefully] score goals, which give you the chance to win games."
The Mexican national team will travel to Russia on Monday ahead of its World Cup opener in Moscow against Germany.
