Gilberto Mora's Condition Sends Shockwaves Through Mexico National Team
As Mexico's national squad prepares for their 2026 campaign launch, concerns emerged when rising star Gilberto Mora was ruled out of El Tri's January training camp due to ongoing physical issues that have troubled him since the year began.
Javier Aguirre's 27-player squad assembled at El Tri's training facility this week in preparation for forthcoming road matches against Panama and Bolivia. Following standard medical evaluations that all players undergo upon arrival, Mexico's medical team concluded that the 17-year-old Mora was unfit to accompany the squad on their travels.
"Gilberto Mora has been removed from the training camp," the national team announced in an official statement. "This decision stems from the physical ailments the player has been experiencing since the Liga MX season commenced."
"Working alongside his club [Tijuana], it was decided that the player should continue his rehabilitation and recovery under his club's medical care."
Following his 88-minute appearance in Tijuana's Clausura 2026 opener, Mora remained on the bench against Querétearo and featured for just 45 minutes in last weekend's encounter with Atlético San Luis.
Club América's midfielder Alexis Gutiérrez has been called up to replace Mora in El Tri's squad, though the young player's medical condition will continue to be closely monitored by Aguirre's coaching staff in the upcoming weeks, particularly as it seems he's confronting more than simple physical discomfort.
Gilberto Mora Reportedly Dealing With Dangerous Injury
Gilberto Mora Reportedly Dealing With Dangerous Injury
Following Mora's removal from Mexico's training camp, Claro Sports revealed that Mora is struggling with Pubalgia, a groin and pubic region injury caused by excessive muscular strain. This condition has affected several of the world's most promising young talents this season, including Lamine Yamal, Cole Palmer, Nico Williams and Franco Mastantuono.
Across the Leagues Cup, Liga MX, international exhibitions and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Mora has featured in 27 matches since the 2025–26 campaign began, accumulating nearly 1,500 minutes of playing time. This intensive schedule places strain on all players, but particularly affects those still maturing physically like Mora, who celebrated his 17th birthday just this past October.
Mora allegedly began experiencing this problem during Tijuana's brief winter preparation period but managed to recover sufficiently to participate at the beginning of the Clausura 2026 season. The injury has now returned, according to reports.
The healing period for Pubalgia differs based on each player's progress, but the risk is that without proper care, Mora could face up to two months on the sidelines, as reported by MARCA, and the condition might become persistent enough to necessitate surgical intervention.
With Mexico's World Cup opener approaching in under six months, an extremely conservative treatment plan is anticipated to ensure Mora's availability for the tournament. The teenager—widely regarded as Mexico's most exceptional talent in more than ten years—is guaranteed a spot in Aguirre's World Cup squad and has emerged as one of El Tri's most impactful players over the last seven months.