“Rayito” confirmed on social media that he will be out for several weeks due to a tear in his left adductor
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Las Águilas are in third place with 31 pointsThey finish the tournament against Mazatlán FCThey’ll have a week off to recover injured playersFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Everything is working against América in their quest for a fourth consecutive championship. It’s been a tough month for manager André Jardine’s squad following their elimination from the Champions Cup and a streak of five winless matches.
The bad news keeps coming, as it has been confirmed that Uruguayan winger Brian Rodríguez will be out for several weeks due to an injury he sustained midweek against Monterrey to his left adductor. He confirmed it on social media:
"Hi everyone, just stopping by to let you know I’ll be off the field for a few weeks. I’m sad about this injury, but I’m already focused on recovery so I can be back with my teammates as soon as possible. I’ll come back stronger. Thanks to everyone for the endless messages of support," posted Rayito.
América could potentially face LAFC for a spot in the Club World Cup, pending Leon's appeal, so they’re also looking to buy some time in hopes of having a full squad ready for that crucial playoff.
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It’s still unclear when América will be able to count on Rodríguez again, although the upcoming week off before the Liguilla will help them recover key players such as Diego Valdés, Henry Martín, and Alan Cervantes. This break could allow them to face the playoffs with a full squad in their pursuit of a fourth straight title.
However, Rodríguez’s case appears to be a bit more complicated, and his availability for the quarterfinals is in jeopardy. América is chasing history, but several factors seem to be pulling Jardine and his team further from that dream.
AFPWHAT SEBASTIÁN CÁCERES SAID
Rodríguez’s fellow countryman, Sebastián Cáceres, spoke about the tough stretch América is going through, especially with the injury situation:
“It’s a difficult moment – games without a win, elimination from the Champions Cup, injuries = but like André said, we’ve been through worse. Not too long ago, last tournament, we almost didn’t make it to the play-in, and the team always found a way to push forward when it mattered most, even when things seemed critical. This time won’t be any different.”
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA?
América will host Mazatlán FC with a clear mission: Get back to winning ways, restore confidence, and lock in a top-three finish. They currently sit third with 31 points, and could climb to second if they beat Mazatlán and Cruz Azul stumbles against league leaders Toluca.
However, a draw or loss could see them drop to fifth place, adding even more pressure ahead of the Liguilla.
