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Early Liga MX games to be diluted by key absences

By Thomas Buckley

Carlos Rodríguez (left) and César Montes (center) are key cogs in the Monterrey machine, but they'll miss the first month of the Liga MX season. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Carlos Rodríguez (left) and César Montes (center) are key cogs in the Monterrey machine, but they'll miss the first month of the Liga MX season. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) /
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Liga MX early season
América goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa could miss the first month of the Liga MX season as he is on duty with El Tri Olímpico in Tokyo. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images) /

Roster depth of Liga MX favorites to be tested

América, Cruz Azul and the Chivas will each be without at least four key players, while the Pumas must do without two defensive stars.

América coach Santiago Solari knows he is expected to win the Liga MX title this season but the early-season absence of pivotal players on each line will not be an acceptable excuse. The Aguilas will be without goalie Guillermo Ochoa, defender Jorge Sánchez, midfielder Sebastián Córdova and striker Henry Martín as they are playing with El Tri Olímpico. Midfielder Richard Sánchez might also miss a game or two after participating in the Copa América with Paraguay.

Cruz Azul will open its Liga MX title defense without MVP Luis Romo and playmaker Roberto Alvarado, as well as back-up goalie Sebastián Jurado who are in Tokyo. In addition, attacking midfielder Orbelín Pineda is taking part in the Gold Cup.

The Cementeros will also be without leading scorer Jonathan “Cabecita” Rodríguez for a game or two after his trip to the Copa América with Uruguay.

As for Guadalajara, they have yet to sign reinforcements and sent starting striker J.J. Macías to La Liga club Getafe. And since forwards Alexis Vega and Uriel Antuna are at the Olympics, it should be no surprise to Chivas fans if their offense is anemic in the first month of the Apertura 2021. In addition, playmaking midfielder Jesús Angulo and his linemate Fernando Beltrán are also in Tokyo. With a decent roster of defenders in camp, the absence of Gilberto Sepúlveda (Gold Cup) might not be so traumatic for “El Rebaño Sagrado.”

The Pumas failed to make the playoffs last season, so it’s understandable that they might not have so many players that interest national team coaches. However, the two players on international duty will be sorely missed. Team MVP Alfredo Talavera is the starting goalie for Mexico at the Gold Cup, while sturdy young defender Johan Rodríguez could see his star rise in Tokyo.

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