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Mexico will face its longtime rival, the USMNT, on Saturday evening in the headline fixture of Rafael Márquez's debut spell as manager. Claiming the first victory of El Tri's new chapter against its fiercest opponent is crucial, but the side will have to manage without teenage sensation Gilberto Mora in the starting lineup.
It is a significant loss Mexico must overcome in a match where Márquez had been expected to field his strongest available squad. Mora was the standout performer in El Tri's impressive 1–1 draw with Colombia. In his debut appearance wearing Mexico's No. 10 jersey, Mora netted the first goal of the Márquez era and became the youngest scorer in El Tri history.
Heading into Saturday's clash with the USMNT, Mora had been anticipated to play a key role. Beyond his value to El Tri, the game was also hyped as the first encounter between Mora and USMNT youngster Cavan Sullivan. The two prodigies are expected to define the rivalry for years to come.
However, Mora picked up a minor ankle knock earlier in the week, and despite Márquez suggesting he was fit on the eve of the game, the coach has since opted to take a cautious approach and leave the prized teenager out of the matchday squad against the Stars and Stripes.
"Morita unfortunately is still experiencing some discomfort," Márquez told TV Azteca ahead of kickoff. "He won't even be on the bench. We've chosen not to rely on him, to look after him, protect him as we've always said."
"He's a player with a tremendous future, which is exactly why we need to take care of him," Márquez added.
Mexico's Confirmed Starting Lineup vs. USMNT
Name by name, position by position. 📋
This is our #StartingXI for the match against the United States! 🇺🇸🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/iVeHuJq9K3
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Raúl Rangel (GK); Israel Reyes, Diego Campillo, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Luis Romo, Erik Lira; Roberto Alvarado, Santiago Sandoval, Orbelín Pineda; Santiago Gimenez.
Subs: Óscar García (GK), Jorge Sánchez, Víctor Guzman, Everardo López, Álvaro Fidalgo, Luis Chávez, Armando González, Germán Berterame, Dagoberto Espinoza, Jeremy Márquez, Obed Vargas, Denzell García, Mateo Chávez, Hugo Camberos, Isaías Violante.
Golden Opportunity for El Tri Teenager Santiago Sandoval
Mora's absence is a considerable setback for El Tri's chances of success and for the overall spectacle, given how much of the pre-match narrative had revolved around him.
Nevertheless, stepping into Mora's spot in the XI is another thrilling Mexican teenager set to earn his first senior start: Chivas forward Santiago Sandoval.
The 19-year-old was among the new additions to Mexico's squad after scoring six goals in his last 10 Liga MX outings stretching back to May.
Márquez also confirmed that Hirving "Chucky" Lozano will be unavailable, having sustained a hamstring injury that rules him out for the remainder of the international window. With Lozano sidelined, Orbelín Pineda will occupy the left wing berth against Mauricio Pochettino's side.