Mexico, one of Brazil’s rivals in Group A of the upcoming World Cup, have suffered an injury blow with three weeks until the tournament kicks off.
Experienced defensive midfielder Juan Carlos Medina has been ruled out of the competition after injuring his ankle in training with the squad; manager Miguel Herrera has called up Miguel Ponce as his replacement.
Medina was seen as a key component of Herrera’s team, despite having only won seven caps to date. The 30 year-old has played over 300 club games and would likely have started in Mexico’s opening game against Cameroon on June 13 in Natal.
Mexico will need to take something from their opening game as next up they face Brazil in Fortaleza in a contest that could already been classed as’must-win’ before finishing off Group A against Croatia in Recife on the 23rd.
