The Reason Behind Mexico’s Inability to Modify the Gold Cup Squad
According to Concacaf regulations, the final call for the Gold Cup squad must be delivered “no later than 10 days before the opening match.” This is why Jaime Lozano, the coach of the Mexican national team, cannot make any modifications to the list sent by Gerardo Cocca since May 31. Lozano was announced as the coach on June 19, just five days before the tournament’s commencement on Saturday, June 24.
Possible Replacement for Alexis Vega
Although Lozano cannot modify the squad, he does have the option to choose a replacement for Alexis Vega, who had to be dropped due to an injury. Concacaf allows changes to the squad in such cases, but the substitute must be selected from the preliminary list of 60 players.
Roberto ‘Louse’ Alvarado Considered as Vega’s Replacement
According to Gibran Araige from TUDN, Cocca had planned to choose Roberto ‘Louse’ Alvarado as Vega’s replacement. The official announcement regarding Vega’s replacement by Lozano is expected to be made in the coming hours.
Concacaf Regulations for Squad Replacements
The regulations for the 2023 Gold Cup state that a player on the final list can only be replaced during the competition in case of serious injuries or medical problems up to 24 hours before their team’s first game. The replacement must come from the provisional list of players.
Replacement Options After the Group Phase
Concacaf also allows the replacement of a player with serious injuries or medical problems after the Group Phase of the Championship and up to 24 hours before the Quarterfinal match.
Mexico’s Squad for the 2023 Gold Cup
- Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa, Luis Malagón, and José Antonio Rodríguez (replaced Carlos Acevedo due to injury).
- Defenders: Jorge Sánchez, Julián Araujo, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Israel Reyes, Víctor Guzmán, Gerardo Arteaga, and Jesús Gallardo.
- Midfielders: Edson Álvarez, Luis Romo, Carlos Rodríguez, Luis Chávez, Erick Sánchez, Orbelín Pineda, and Sebastián Córdova.
- Forwards: Santiago Giménez, Henry Martín, Uriel Antuna, Ozziel Herrera, and Alexis Vega (to be replaced due to injury).
This Week’s Agenda for Mexico before the Gold Cup
This is Mexico’s schedule leading up to the Gold Cup.