Tato Noriega on Injury to Jordi Cortizo; Plus, Karol Bernal Signs an Extension

CF Monterrey was dealt a significant blow on Sunday. Rayados lost Jordi Cortizo for likely the rest of the tournament. The 27-year-old suffered a fractured clavicle in the 1-0 win over Pumas UNAM. 

Rayados president José Antonio Noriega stated that he hoped the injury wasn’t too severe. It’s likely that Rayados would like for him to return for the Liguilla. The Mexican international is arguably the squad’s best player this 2023 Apertura season, which explains why Noriega is optimistic.

“It is true that the first clinical diagnosis is that [a fracture], but they will do studies, and we will be certain,” Noriega told reporters on Sunday (h/t Telediario). “Hopefully, it is not so serious, and we will not waste so much time because, in addition, Jordi’s moment was spectacular, but they are also perks of the job.”

Monterrey released a press release on Monday, providing more information on the situation.

“After being reviewed and evaluated by a specialist, the player Jordi Cortizo presented a grade 2 acromioclavicular sprain in the left clavicle,” the press release said. “The player will undergo conservative treatment, and in four weeks, we will release an update on the evolution of the injury.”

Karol Bernal signs a new contract with Rayadas

Rayadas will have Karol Bernal for the next three years. The 20-year-old officially signed an extension with Monterrey until June 2026. Bernal debuted at 15 years old in the 2018 Apertura season with Rayadas. 

Bernal left on loan to join Chivas Femenil for the Clausura 2021 season to grow and gain more football experience. Two years later, in Clausura 2023, she returned to Rayadas to fight for a role in the starting 11.