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CF Monterrey picked up an impressive 3-1 win over Club León on Saturday at BBVA Stadium. However, one major news item to come out of the victory was Sergio Canales’ exit in the 69th minute.
The 32-year-old couldn’t continue in the match and was subbed out of the game when Joao Rojas came onto the pitch. Nonetheless, the alarms went out with the Clásico Regio this upcoming weekend.
Still, manager Fernando Ortiz calmed the Rayados fanbase down on Saturday, giving an update postgame when speaking to reporters.
“Canales felt pain,” Ortiz told reporters postgame (h/t ABC Noticias). “He left as a precaution. I still don’t have a diagnosis. He is an experienced player who knows when to continue or not.”
While it was for preparation, many will wait to see what the club announces this week to see if the Spain international can play against Club Tigres. Rayados is already dealing with injuries to their striker position and Ali Avila’s suspension after receiving a red card in the win over León.
Jordi Cortizo believes the squad is ready for the latest Clásico Regio
Ortiz and Co. will have to devise a game plan that sees Rayados playing the contest against Tigres with no striker and opt for someone playing the False 9 role. Which player is assuming that job is a mystery for now.
Nonetheless, Cortizo assured that he has total confidence in his teammates, regardless of who plays in the team’s attack. The 27-year-old has faith in the squad’s ability to perform at their best in the match against Tigres and anticipates an exciting game.
“The team looked very good despite being [with] one less [player],” Cortizo told ABC Noticias. “[León] demonstrated that offensive capacity and that order that we had been working on.
“Whoever it is who will be there will do their best. It is a clásico; there is nothing more beautiful than experiencing this type of game, so total confidence in the squad and that it will be a great game.”