The Liga MX returns this weekend with one game on everybody’s mind – the “Super Clásico” at Estadio Azteca on Saturday night.
Sixth-place América (11 points from six games) plays host to the fourth-place Chivas (13 points from seven games) with early-season bragging rights at stake.
Guadalajara fans will no doubt be watching tonight’s Mexico-Uzbekistan match with no small amount of trepidation as four Chivas starters are with the El Tri squad in Atlanta whereas just two Aguilas are on the Mexico roster.
Guadalajara defenders Luis Orozco and Gilberto Sepúlveda did not see action on Saturday in Mexico’s 2-2 draw with Australia, while wingers Alexis Vega (60 minutes) and Roberto Alvarado (8 minutes). América right back Kevin Álvarez entered the match in minute 82 while goalie Luis Malagón watched the game from the bench.
América has concerns
Back home in Mexico, however, the Aguilas have health issues to deal with, a recurring problem through the first half of the Apertura 2023.
Defender Israel Reyes is out with a slight tear in his right thigh while club officials were hoping that another defender, Néstor Araujo (knee), would pass a fitness test this week.
The biggest concern is that the availability of reigning Liga MX MVP Henry Martín remains doubtful as his recovery from a calf strain has been slower than anticipated. The star striker suffered the injury in early August while warming up for a Leagues Cup match and has missed América’s past four Liga MX games.
Aguilas coach André Jardine on Sunday said he would not risk Martín’s long-term fitness, suggesting that “La Bomba” might be held out another week.
Speaking of Jardine, the Brazilian manager might also miss out on his first “Clásico Nacional” as he was rushed to the hospital Tuesday to have his appendix removed.
Liga MX Femenil joining in the fun
The “Super Clásico” Weekend does not end on Saturday night.
On Sunday afternoon, Las Chivas and Las Aguilas will take the field at Estadio Azteca hoping to keep pace with league-leading Tigres.
Defending Liga MX Femenil champion América (24 points) plays Atlético de San Luis tonight with a chance to move within a point of Tigres. A victory over the 12th place Tuneras would also move the Lady Aguilas 3 points clear of third-place Guadalajara.