Zendejas Injured

Winger, Who Missed Both Matches for the U.S., Subbed Early With an Injury

Alejandro Zendejas faces another frustrating injury setback, missing Club América's crucial fixture against Puebla next Saturday after being substituted at halftime during the team's recent defeat to Cruz Azul. The winger's struggles highlight a concerning pattern of fitness issues that have plagued both his club and international careers.

Zendejas entered that Cruz Azul match as an emergency replacement in the 28th minute after Víctor Dávila's early departure, but his own physical discomfort became apparent almost immediately. Despite América's strategy of starting him on the bench to protect him, circumstances forced the coaching staff's hand. His visible struggles and difficulty moving made the decision to withdraw him at halftime an easy one, as the club opted not to risk further damage.

The injury appears to be an aggravation of a previous problem that affected him during USMNT duty. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino had indicated before October's friendly against Ecuador that "we don't believe that Alex will be part of the game," though no specific details about his condition were released at the time.

América's injury crisis has reached critical levels, with Zendejas joining an extensive injury list. The situation leaves América dangerously thin in attack, with Rodrigo Aguirre as the only fully fit forward as they navigate the final stretch of Apertura 2025.