Mexico anxiously await fitness update on four players before World Cup opener with South Africa

Several months ago, coach Javier Aguirre stated that he would not take injured players to the tournament, but Mexico’s extensive fitness problems have forced him to rethink that position.

Local reports indicate that defender César Montes, midfielders Edson Álvarez and Luis Chávez, and forward Alexis Vega are all in a race against time to be ready, each carrying different injury concerns.

Montes, who represents Lokomotiv Moscow, came off the bench in Mexico’s friendly against Australia on 31 May, but continues to experience muscular discomfort.

Fenerbahçe star Álvarez has an ankle issue, while Dinamo Moscow midfielder Chávez is dealing with a ligament problem.

Toluca forward Vega is managing a knee complaint that has not ruled him out but requires careful management.

Bafana Bafana’s only injury worry at this stage is left-back Aubrey Modiba, who missed the second leg of Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League final against AS FAR due to a hamstring problem.

Coach Hugo Broos is hopeful that Modiba will be fit in time for the match against Mexico.