Recently, it seemed that Club America escaped unscathed from their chaotic schedule last week with the notable exception of Diego Valdes. With the much needed international break it all seemed painted for America to rest up and recharge. Bracing themselves for yet another storm of matches in a short period of time. Although things did not go according to plan for America, who now looking at this international break as bad omen. Not only did they walk away from their US Tour Aguila friendly with two injuries, but star forward, Julian Quiñones, picked up an injury playing for Mexico against Panama in the Concacaf Nations League.
Club America Injury Woes a Concern Ahead of Busy Schedule
International Break Injury Issues
Many America fans had already started to cope with the thought of not having Diego Valdes for the upcoming weeks. What they didn’t expect was to lose three more key players after the international break. Club America saw a number of their players go off to represent their international teams this past week, with several of them expected to start or feature of the bench. Unfortunately for America, Julian Quiñones came off against Panama with a knock that was evaluated as muscle discomfort. An issue that left him unavailable to feature for Mexico against the United States in the Nations League final.
🇲🇽SELECCIÓN🇲🇽
❌LA FINAL SIN QUIÑONES❌
Julián Quiñones no está al 100 por ciento y por tal motivo no estará esta noche en la Final de la @CNationsLeague contra Estados Unidos!!!
Fuerte baja para la Selección Mexicana!!!@TUDNMEX @TUDNUSA pic.twitter.com/OOyPVBFdrd
— Gibrán Araige (@GibranAraige) March 24, 2024
While their international players were away with their national teams, America flew to the California for their Tour Aguila. There they faced off against Cruz Azul at Dignity Health Sports Park in a fierce contested match. A friendly match that shortly turned sour for Club America. Midfielder, Alvaro Fidalgo, came off injured within the first half of the match, a sight that made every fans stomach sink. The team eventually would lose the game 3-2 but that would not be the worse news. Just a few days later, America announced that not only did Fidalgo get injured but also Alejandro Zendejas. With the news breaking it only means that America adds to the pile of injuries that they currently have.
🚨 🏥 INJURY UPDATE:
Both Alejandro Zendejas & Alvaro Fidalgo have sustained a muscle injury (first degree semitendinosus) 🤕
Their recovery time will be according to their respective evaluations#AguilasEng 🦅 #ClubAmerica https://t.co/X0aljZ3nfa
— The Eagle Eye Podcast (@EagleEyePodcast) March 25, 2024
Extent of Injuries: How Long Is the Recovery Period?
Before the wave of injuries sustained over the international break, Club America fans had a sliver of good news. Alarm bells rang when Diego Valdes came off injured again Chivas in the clasico and many feared the worse. Manager, Andre Jardine, managed to calm fans, confirming Valdes’ injury was minor and would return to train after a week. So that’s one player back, but what about the others? Julian Quiñones injury seems to be the least concerning for America who most likely will rest him to get him back to full health ahead of the Champions Cup match against the New England Revolution. Now that just leaves the question of Fidalgo and Zendejas. Both players sustained first degree semitendinosus muscle injuries in their friendly against Cruz Azul. As severe as that sounds, speculation of the extent of their injuries all points to 10-15 days out.
Squad Depth Test Incoming for Club America
Club America knew squad depth would be important with the amount of games they would dispute this season. With a congested semester in both Liga MX and Concacaf Champions Cup, America retaining majority of the squad that won the Apertura 2023 championship is crucial. The squad depth has already been tested this season in the prior round of the Champions Cup. With rotations made in the league to keep players sharp for those matches, but there was no injuries to worry about. Now, the depth will be tested with injuries looming over them as they won’t be able to count on the players previously mentioned. How will the midfield cope without Fidalgo pulling the strings? How will the right hand side function without Zendejas? Jardine will need to find answers for all these questions.
The reality is America has the talent to get by. They have players that can come in and fill the roles of Fidalgo, Quiñones and Zendejas. Its now just making sure they can produce the same or close to the same output on the field so the team can continue to flow. These players have a great opportunity to find rhythm and cohesion with the squad against Atletico San Luis this Friday. Which will prep them right in time for the crucial quarterfinal matchup against New England Revolution.
Vamos por el último juego de marzo. 💪
𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝟏𝟑 🆚 Atlético San Luis pic.twitter.com/U61Iojznqx
— Club América (@ClubAmerica) March 25, 2024
Read More: Club America California Dreamin’
Last Word
Injuries have indeed set Club America back, but their depth and talent pool promise resilience and adaptability. As they gear up for pivotal matches, the opportunity for squad players to step up is immense. With a focus on recovery and strategic planning, America looks to navigate through these challenges. The upcoming games will not only test their resolve but also their capacity to maintain performance levels. Success lies in their ability to adapt, persevere, and harness the strength of their collective squad.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports, of an Estadio Azteca Headshot, on April 29, 2023.
