Palencia Called By Aguirre, Blanco In Doubt For Mexico

A new member has been added to the Mexican national team in anticipation to the final two games of World Cup qualifying. Francisco “Paco” Palencia has been added to the roster as Cuauhtémoc Blanco’s participation seems less likely due to an injury obtained while on duty with his club team, Chicago Fire.

According the Mexican Federation, “Cuauhtemoc Blanco worked separately from the Mexican team, and is in the final stage of recuperation from the injury he obtained in the Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew game on September 21.” 

“The medical staff of the national team performed some tests and saw some improvement. However, Cuauhtémoc Blanco will continue his recovery and it will be determined whether he is at 100 percent to participate in the game Mexico vs. El Salvador on October 10.” 

“For that reason the technical team made the decision to call the player from Pumas de la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Juan Franciso Palencia, who will report with the national team on Wednesday October 7.” 

The Pumas player has played with the national team on 78 previous occasions, scoring 11 goals in the process.

Mexico coach Aguirre has shown a trend toward players he is familiar with from his earlier days as national team coach, even calling in Oscar Perez, the 2002 goalkeeper, in for some games early in his return stint as coach.

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com