Lozano and Martín Ruled Out of Mexico’s Gold Cup Squad

Mexico’s Gold Cup Hopes Take a Hit as Lozano and Martín Withdraw Due to Injuries

In a significant setback for Mexico’s national soccer team, forwards Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and Henry Martín have been ruled out of the upcoming 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup due to injuries. The Mexican Football Federation confirmed that both players sustained left hamstring injuries, making them unavailable for the tournament scheduled from June 14 to July 6 in the United States.

Hirving Lozano’s Injury

Lozano, a key player for San Diego FC in Major League Soccer, suffered his injury during a 2-0 victory over Austin FC on May 31. This marks his second hamstring injury of the season, the first occurring on March 1 against St. Louis City. Despite contributing five goals and seven assists in 14 appearances for San Diego FC, these recurring injuries have hindered his ability to rejoin the national team.

Henry Martín’s Setback

Henry Martín, representing Club América, was also sidelined due to a muscle tear in his left hamstring. He was evaluated by the national team’s medical staff and will return to his club for rehabilitation.

Impact on Mexico’s Gold Cup Campaign

The absence of Lozano and Martín necessitated adjustments to Mexico’s roster. Coach Javier Aguirre announced a 26-man squad featuring experienced players like Guillermo Ochoa, Edson Álvarez, and Raúl Jiménez, alongside emerging talents such as 16-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora from Club Tijuana.

Mexico is set to face Switzerland and Turkey in friendly matches on June 7 and 10, respectively, before commencing their Gold Cup campaign against the Dominican Republic on June 14. They will subsequently play Suriname on June 18 and Costa Rica on June 22 in the group stage.

The injuries to Lozano and Martín pose challenges for Mexico’s offensive strategy, but the team remains focused on defending their Gold Cup title. The tournament will also serve as an opportunity for younger players to step up and make their mark on the international stage.