Mexico's World Cup injury crisis deepens as Ruiz tears ACL
Two players lost in three days, a half-dozen more sidelined — Mexico's preparations for a home World Cup are unravelling fast.
Mexico's injury woes have taken another serious blow after Toluca confirmed that midfielder Marcel Ruiz has torn the ACL in his right knee, along with a meniscus tear in the same joint. The 25-year-old will undergo surgery after sustaining the injury during a CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against San Diego FC.
The news comes just days after Club América goalkeeper Luis Malagon was ruled out of the tournament with a ruptured Achilles tendon — meaning Mexico have lost two players in the space of 72 hours.
Ruiz had become a key figure under manager Javier Aguirre since his senior debut in 2023, earning 17 caps and widely expected to feature at what would have been his first World Cup. "Everyone at this club regrets what happened and we stand in solidarity with him, wishing him a speedy recovery," Toluca said in a statement.
The pair are not alone. Mexico have around half a dozen players currently sidelined, with the most severe case being right back Rodrigo Huescas, who tore a knee ligament back in November.
Mexico open the World Cup on June 11 against South Africa — on home soil, with the pressure already mounting.
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