Mexico

Vela Hopes To Recover In Time For Haiti

Carlos Vela has played a fraction of time in the Gold Cup, but hopes to be available for Mexico's quarterfinal match against Haiti.

Jul 15, 2009 10:40:20 AM

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Mexican striker Carlos Vela, having been sidelined by injury in his first Gold Cup match against Nicaragua, expects to be match fit by Sunday and ready to take on quarterfinal rivals Haiti.

“Every day I feel better with more confidence to get things done,” Vela explained to reporters in Dallas. “I still have an annoyance (with the injury) but I am working really well so I expect to be able to train with the squad in a few days. That is my objective to be ready by the end of the week."

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Early in Mexico's first Gold Cup match, Vela collapsed after a collision with a Nicaraguan player. Although initial fears were that Vela had fractured a bone, Vela's injury was less severe. Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said after Mexico's Gold Cup game against Guadeloupe that Vela could have played if the game were a final.

“The doctor has told me that he has noticed an improvement, there were many things I could not do and now I can do them with a slight pain, if I continue like that then I will be ready by Sunday. I still can’t hit the ball at one-hundred percent, it hurts to hit it a certain way or I can’t hit it at all, but there is still enough time to work out those details that are bothering me,” continued a confident Vela. “I am now confident and with desire to return so I hope that can happen soon. Everyone’s objective is to play in the quarterfinals. I have worked well with the medical staff and that is our goal to play that game but that will not be decided until I get to train with my teammates and prove that I am at one-hundred percent.”

Regarding the Tricolor Vela has noted an improvement in the squads performance, one that he believes will only get better.

“We improved in our last match, it was certainly a better game than against Panama, which was reflected in the score, so I think we can continue to improve,” admitted Vela. “The work done was not bad, there could have been more goals scored, we are there, I think the good things are around the corner after having advanced past the first round. We just need more confidence and as we play more games the team will continue to improve, we will know each other better, we will begin to adapt to what everyone expects of us."

Joel Aceves, Goal.com

Visit Goal.com daily for more coverage of the Mexican National Team.

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