Rafa Marquez MexicoKena Betancur

Marquez, Araujo fit for Mexico's Confederations Cup roster

Both Rafa Marquez and Nestor Araujo are in Mexico's 23-man Confederations Cup roster after injuries put the defenders' status in doubt. 

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio will be able to count on both the Santos Laguna defender and the Atlas veteran, who can play either at center back or defensive midfielder, in Russia. Araujo suffered a broken hand in Mexico's friendly defeat to Croatia while Marquez has played just once, in a friendly against Ireland, after suffering a back injury against Costa Rica in March.

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The rest of the squad contains few surprises with in-form attackers Carlos Vela, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Raul Jimenez and Giovani dos Santos part of the group. In the midfield, Europe-based Jonathan dos Santos, Hector Herrera and Marco Fabian also will look to see time at the tournament.

The most notable omission is Chivas midfielder Orbelin Pineda. In addition, Tigres midfielders Jurgen Damm and Jesus Duenas, Pachuca midfielder Jorge "Burrito" Hernandez, Leon's Elias Hernandez and Pumas' Jesus Gallardo are the other players currently in Mexico camp for World Cup qualifiers who will not fly to Russia after Sunday's match against the United States.

Those players all are on the 40-man Gold Cup provisional roster and likely will feature heavily as Mexico looks to win the continental championship in July utilizing an alternate side.

El Tri's provisional Gold Cup squad

Mexico begins its Confederations Cup run with a June 18 match against New Zealand before taking on European champion Portugal and host Russia to close out the group stage.

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