As Liga MX action resumes this weekend following the international break, all eyes are set on the highly anticipated matchup between Club América and Cruz Azul. Scheduled for Saturday, October 18, this clash at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario promises to be a thrilling encounter. However, uncertainty looms over América as questions arise regarding the fitness of several players.
Head coach André Jardine has faced considerable challenges this season in assembling a competitive lineup, navigating through numerous injuries that have impacted his squad significantly. In their last outing before the break against Santos, América was already without key players including Henry Martín, Jonathan Dos Santos, Dagoberto Espinoza, Álvaro Fidalgo, Sebastián Cáceres, Allan Saint-Maximin, and José Raúl Zúñiga.
Unfortunately, the situation worsened during the international window as Alejandro Zendejas and Isaías Violante both sustained injuries while on national team duty. Despite this setback, it’s important to note that América provided a substantial contribution to the Mexican national team, having six players called up, although Ramón Juárez and Kevin Álvarez did not feature in the games.
As the team returns to domestic competition, there is some cause for optimism. Reports suggest that Fidalgo, Dos Santos, and Saint-Maximin have regained full fitness and are actively participating in training sessions. This development makes them likely candidates for selection against Cruz Azul. On the other hand, Martín, who has been training separately, has started working with the ball, which offers hope for his inclusion in the matchday squad.
While Martín and Zendejas remain the main concerns ahead of the weekend, the players who participated in recent international fixtures—Israel Reyes, Luis Ángel Malagón, Erick Sánchez, and Alexis Gutiérrez—are expected to be available for Jardine’s selection.
The confirmed absences for the match are Zúñiga, Violante, and Espinoza, all dealing with long-term injuries, with Espinoza recently undergoing surgery.
As the excitement builds for this crucial fixture, fans will be eager to see how America adjusts and fields their team against a formidable Cruz Azul side, hoping for a competitive and potentially victorious return to league action.