Pumas' Augusto Could Be Back In Time For Final

Pumas' flimsy defense during their run to the Clausura 2009 final could be attributed to the absence of Leandro Augusto, who might be on the verge of returning against Pachuca on Thursday.

May 26, 2009 1:32:18 PM

More On :  Pumas
Leandro Augusto - Pumas UNAM (Tomás Fregoso)
Leandro Augusto made an appearance for Pumas in the second leg against Puebla. Augusto, however, did not play. He came out after the game was over to congratulate his team on their passage to the final.

Augusto has not played a single game in the Liguilla. Pumas have gone without him and struggled in the quarterfinal leg and in the semifinal leg. Pumas doctor Roberto Rodriguez Nava said that it will now be up to the physical trainer to see if Leandro is match fit.
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“Leandro is no longer in the hands of the medics,” said Nava. “He is now with the physical trainer because he is done with the injury. Now it’s up to him to be physically fit to play.”

Augusto, who has not played since Jornada 16, has been facing a muscular injury in his right thigh which has left him out of very important games. He could be back for the first leg of the final against Pachuca. But it will all depend on his commitment to get ready for the match.

“It all depends on the recovery of his strength. It is a good margin of time and he could be physically ready to play. But the physical trainer will have the last word,” explained Nava.

If Leandro does manage to get fit by game day it will be up to Ricardo Ferretti to decide whether or not he will be included. Pumas have not been the same without him. Sure they have reached the final but it did not come with out struggle.  The only thing that Leandro might be lacking is rhythm but the playmaker has shown time after time to be a key player in Pumas.


As Leandro gets ready to make a come back, Pumas are faced with another possible injury. Jehu Chiapas suffered an injury in his right leg and was unable to finish the training session. The Pumas defender has started all games in the Liguilla and for now his start is up in the air.

 Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com

For more coverage of the Mexican league final, visit Goal.com's Mexican Football section.

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