It's not been an easy year for Mexico so far. That's why they arrive at the beginning of the Final Round of the Concacaf World Cup Qualification for Qatar 2022 desperate for results. They'll have to deal without many important players, such as Diego Lainez.
The two defeats at the hands of the USA over the last few months have put coach Gerardo Martino under pressure. Following a shocking loss in the Concacaf Nations League final, El Tri's 2021 Gold Cup journey ended in disappointment as well.
Now it's time to turn the page and they have to focus on bouncing back on the road to the next World Cup. The international break doesn't come in the best timing, though, as they won't have Lainez, among others.
Why is Diego Lainez not playing for Mexico in The Octo?
The Real Betis playmaker wasn't included in Gerardo Martino's squad. Diego Lainez hasn't recovered from an ankle injury he suffered in the Tokyo 2020 bronze medal match against Japan.
That night, El Tri U23s ended up celebrating by claiming the third place in the Olympic Games, but the 21-year-old star would immediately receive bad news. Lainez hasn't been able to play since then and now misses the international fixture.
However, he is expected to be back sooner rather than later, which is why this could be just a minor setback in his promising professional path. Mexico must overcome this situation and receive Lainez in a strong position in the next international window.
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