Club América coach Andre Jardine stated that Mexico national team goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón suffered a "serious injury" that appeared to be an Achilles tear during Tuesday's Concacaf Champions Cup win over the Philadelphia Union, putting his World Cup hopes in doubt.
"It seems like a somewhat serious injury. We'll see, probably an Achilles tendon injury, hopefully not a complete tear, but probably at least a partial rupture, which will keep him out of action for quite some time," said the Liga MX coach after the 1-0 victory over the Union.
"The win was important, but in the end there was a feeling of a bit of sadness for Malagón, we love him very much."
Malagón hit the ground in pain during the 1st half of the match after a non-contact injury on his left foot, forcing a substitution in the 42nd minute for backup goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.
Shortly afterwards, Club América issued a statement saying that Malagón would undergo tests to determine his medical condition. Following the final whistle, Jardine all but confirmed the Achilles tear. Regardless of the extent of the injury, as noted by the Club América coach earlier, Malagón isn't expected to return to the field soon.
With three months to go until the World Cup and Malagón's availability at serious risk, Chivas goalkeeper Raúl "Tala" Rangel appears to have a slight lead for Mexico's No. 1 spot. Santos Laguna's Carlos Acevedo and 40-year-old legend Guillermo Ochoa are also options to start in goal for 'El Tri' at the tournament.
As for Club América, Cota is now set to be the new starter for the Mexico City side that will host Mazatlan at home in Liga MX play this Sunday, and then later hosting the Union on March 18 in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 series.
