Mexico boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino is not taking Carlos Vela or Javier Hernandez to Qatar for the World Cup in 2022. El Tri have omitted both from their preliminary 31-man squad.
The North Americans have whittled down their team ahead of finalising Martino’s 26-man plans for this winter’s tournament. He has included an additional five players for friendlies against Iraq and Sweden in Spain next month for their final matches before flying to Qatar.
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Mexico have scheduled friendlies in Girona for November 9 and 16 ahead of starting their World Cup on the 22nd. El Tri take on Poland on November 22 before further Group C ties with Argentina on the 26th and Saudi Arabia on the 30th hoping to reach the last 16 again.
A Round of 16 game in Qatar would be Mexico’s eighth consecutive outing in the knockout stages. They have progressed out of the group stage at every World Cup since 1994. But El Tri have not won any of their last 16 fixtures since reaching the quarter-finals back in 1986.
Martino omits Vela and Hernandez from Mexico’s preliminary World Cup squad
Mexico have now announced their preliminary 31-man World Cup squad ahead of meeting Iran and Sweden in Spain. Marca cites Martino’s plans, with the Tri boss omitting both Vela and Hernandez. He had already confirmed that the latter was no longer a part of his plans.
“In the case of Chicharito, we are simply going with other forwards,” he said in September, via quotes by ESPN. “We will try to choose the 26 players who are closest to our game.”
Hernandez is Mexico’s all-time top-scorer with 52 goals after 109 caps in all competitions. But the 34-year-old has not played for El Tri since 2019. Even though the LA Galaxy captain still gives a consistent goal threat in Major League Soccer. He is also an ever-present there.
Vela, meanwhile, ranks 12th in Mexico’s all-time leaderboard with 19 goals over 72 games. But the LAFC captain has not represented his country since the last World Cup in Russia in 2018. Even though the right-winger is also still posing a constant creative presence in MLS.
Martino has included two injured forwards in his preliminary plans
Martino is now prepared to target results in Qatar without Vela or Hernandez at the World Cup for Mexico. The Tri boss has omitted both from his preliminary 31-man squad but has chosen to include Raul Jimenez. The Wolves star is currently recovering from a groin injury.
Jimenez has not featured since August after pulling up during the warm-up for Wolves’ win at home to Southampton. The Express & Star reports he has been rehabilitating in Mexico with the aid of El Tri’s medical staff. He has not yet given up on being fit for the World Cup.
Martino has until November 14 to issue Mexico’s final 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar. Marca reports the Tri boss is likely to remove Santiago Gimenez from their 31-man plans if Jimenez is fit in time. Martino is also giving Jesus Corona every chance to recover.
The Sevilla forward has not featured since August after undergoing surgery for a fractured fibula. The 29-year-old also tore ligaments in his left ankle but Martino hopes he recovers.
Mexico’s preliminary 31-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar
Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa, Alfredo Talavera, Rodolfo Cota
Defenders: Jorge Sanchez, Kevin Alvarez, Jesus Alberto Angulo, Nestor Araujo, Hector Moreno, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo, Gerardo Arteaga
Midfielders: Edson Alvarez, Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado, Erick Gutierrez, Luis Chavez, Erick Sanchez, Luis Romo, Carlos Rodriguez, Diego Lainez, Orbelin Pineda, Roberto Alvarado, Uriel Antuna
Forwards: Jesus Corona, Hirving Lozano, Raul Jimenez, Alexis Vega, Rogelio Funes Mori, Henry Martin, Santiago Gimenez
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