Mexico will have to do without the services of Diego Lainez this summer, as the Tigres star has left the team due to an ankle injury.
Lainez was one of 31 players named to Jaime Lozano’s preliminary roster for the 2024 Copa América, but the 23-year-old has now been forced to drop out of contention.
“Diego Lainez has been dropped from our squad heading into the summer due to discomfort in his right ankle that has been dragging on since the final part of the [Clausura] tournament, and that unfortunately has not evolved positively,” Mexico announced on its social media channels.
“Together with Tigres, it was decided that he would leave the concentration to begin his recovery process as soon as possible. Come on, Diego! We are with you!”
Lainez has been replaced in the squad by Monterrey winger Jordi Cortizo.
After a difficult spell in Europe, Lainez has returned to a prominent role with Tigres in Liga MX. The onetime top prospect tallied four goals and four assists across the Apertura and Clausura in 2023 and 2024.
Prior to the Copa América, Mexico will play three friendlies in the U.S. to warm up for the main event, facing Bolivia (May 31), Uruguay (June 5), and Brazil (June 8).
El Tri has been drawn in Group B in the Copa América, alongside Ecuador, Venezuela, and Jamaica.
[lawrence-related id=68460,64569,51484]