Vela's Injury Not As Serious As Initially Feared

Mexico's team doctor said Carlos Vela did not suffer a fracture and could be ready for Thursday's game in Houston against Panama.

Jul 6, 2009 2:32:43 AM

More On :  Mexico
Carlos Vela - Mexico (Mexsport)
Carlos Vela suffered an injury against Nicaragua that was initially feared a possible broken bone but further tests revealed something less substantial.

Mexico's team doctor said in a statement that Vela's injury is not a fracture and would not sideline the player from the tournament.

"The injury that is present is medial tibial pain, affecting the ligaments on the left leg," Dr. Radames Gaxiola said in the statement. "In simplest terms, he has a sprain."
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Both Gaxiola and Vela were transported to a local hospital after Mexico's 2-0 win over Nicaragua as the Arsenal-based striker initially showed signs of something worse.

"In the fifth minute of the first half, Carlos Vela was spun around by a rival player who leaned against him which caused Carlos to incur pain on his right leg," Gaxiola said. "Upon initial treatment, he felt pain on his right fibula. For that reason, after the game I went with him to a hospital to take x-rays and fortunately after evaluating the results it was determined that it was not a fracture."

Still, tests for a fracture were negative. Thus, Vela will likely be able to continue to be a part of the Gold Cup squad.

"(Monday) morning I will re-evaluate him," Gaxiola said. "For the meantime, he will continue icing his leg but the injury is not enough to cause him to miss the rest of the tournament. I hope he will recover as quick as possible and if everything goes well he'll be available for selection in Houston, against Panama."


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