Mexico’s Edson Alvarez is out of the Copa America because of a left hamstring injury.
He announced the news on a video posted to social media late Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, my participation in the Copa America has come to a close,” he said, according to a translation from Spanish provided by ESPN. “But I also wanted to let you know that I have made the decision to stay with the team until the end.”
Alvarez, Mexico’s team captain, sustained the injury in Mexico’s opening match against Jamaica. The West Ham defensive midfielder departed on a stretcher just shy of the half-hour mark of Saturday’s 1-0 win after clutching his left hamstring.
Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano, Mexico’s coach, said 27-year old Cesar Montes will be called on to lead the team.
“Now it’s Cesar’s turn to captain, and I think he’s going to help us a lot too,” Lozano said, per ESPN.
“The same with Julio [Gonzalez], Johan [Vasquez], I like to see soccer a little from the back going forward, and I think they are the people who have a bit more stability.”
Mexico and Venezuela meet Wednesday night in a Group B clash. Both teams are undefeated. Ecuador and Jamaica, winless in their openers, also play Wednesday in Inglewood, Calif.
Group B action concludes Sunday, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout round.
–Field Level Media
