Club America got a boost Monday as manager Ricardo La Volpe figures out how to replace injured winger Renato Ibarra. Midfielder Cecilio Dominguez and defender Edson Alvarez returned to training Monday.
Ibarra underwent surgery Sunday after his fibula was fractured by a hard tackle from Andres Andrade in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Leon and will miss the rest of the season.
"The operation was completed in a satisfactory manner, and I'm very happy with the procedure for Renato," said Rafael Ortega, the Guadalajara-based doctor who performed the surgery. "Surely in three months he'll be returning to the fields."
Andrade, who used to play for America, called Ibarra to apologize and clarify he hadn't intended harm.
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Despite the injury blow, America may be able to replace the Ecuadorian winger thanks in part to Dominguez's return. The winter signing injured his shoulder in the middle of February and has not featured since, but could slot in directly for the injured Ibarra or push Michael Arroyo to the right side and retake his position on the left.
And Alvarez, who played center back with Mexico's U-20 team at the CONCACAF championship, could take over for converted central midfielder Jose Guerrero, who has seen time as a center back alongside Paolo Goltz and Pablo Aguilar.
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Las Aguilas have a busy week ahead. Both Dominguez and Alvarez could return Wednesday for America's Copa MX Round of 16 match in Tijuana or in Saturday's league game against Necaxa.
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