Star Player's Injury Rocks Mexico National Team's November Campaign
Toluca has announced that Alexis Vega has sustained an injury that will rule him out of Mexico's forthcoming November international matches.
The dynamic forward picked up a hamstring problem during Toluca's 2-2 stalemate with Pachuca, with medical examinations confirming that Vega faces approximately one month on the sidelines.
"Alexis Vega has sustained a grade 2 muscle injury to his left hamstring," Toluca announced in an official statement. "Based on his recovery progress, he is expected to return to competitive action within roughly three to four weeks."
Vega will be absent for the concluding two matches of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 regular campaign, with Toluca currently level at the summit alongside Tigres and Cruz Azul in an intense battle for playoff home advantage.
The 27-year-old's impressive tally of 13 goals and 11 assists across 23 Liga MX outings last season proved crucial as Toluca claimed the Clausura 2025 championship. Vega has maintained his form this campaign with four goals and 11 assists, positioning Toluca among the leading contenders to defend their title.
His excellent club performances have established Vega as indispensable for El Tri, exemplified by his role as a starter throughout Mexico's victorious 2025 Gold Cup campaign. Now, Javier Aguirre must navigate Mexico's final two fixtures of the year without one of his most reliable attacking options.
Potential Alexis Vega Replacements for Mexico in November Roster
Aguirre is set to announce Mexico's squad for the November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay in the coming week.
Given Vega's participation in El Tri's previous 17 fixtures, his inclusion in the November squad was virtually certain. Aguirre must now adjust his plans and consider alternatives, with three candidates likely to compete for his position in El Tri's formation.
Julian Quiñónes has netted six times in six Saudi Pro League appearances this season and displayed promising form during Mexico's 1-1 tie with Ecuador in their most recent outing. While the former Club América striker has struggled to consistently deliver for El Tri, Vega's absence almost certainly opens the door for another opportunity to prove himself.
Aguirre has recently deployed César Huerta and Hirving "El Chucky" Lozano primarily on the right flank, but Vega's unavailability could see both players tested on the left side, where they regularly feature for their respective clubs.
The most fascinating option might be to evaluate 17-year-old prodigy Gilberto Mora on the left wing, with license to move into central areas. Mora excelled in precisely this role during the 2025 U-20 World Cup, and Aguirre might be shrewd to attempt replicating that success at senior level.
Whoever steps in for Vega in these upcoming fixtures, he remains virtually certain to reclaim his starting berth upon his return from injury. When Vega next dons El Tri's colors, less than six months will remain before the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.