Why isn’t Edson Álvarez in the Mexico squad to face New Zealand and Canada?

The Mexican national team is preparing for a brace of important fixtures this month as El Tri looks to bounce back form a disappointing showing at Copa América.

New head coach Javier Aguirre recently named his first squad since taking over, opting to give opportunities to a number of talented young players. One name that is absent, however, is that of team captain Edson Álvarez.

The versatile defender/midfielder player started for West Ham United in their Premier League Game against Manchester City last weekend, so why is he not included in the Mexico team?

Álvarez was forced to miss this summer’s Copa América after suffering a thigh injury just days before the start of the tournament. He has recently made his return for West Ham but Aguirre has decided to give the player a little extra rest as he continues to return to full match fitness.

Why aren’t Ochoa, Lozano and Jiménez playing for Mexico?

Now less than two years out from a World Cup on home soil, Mexican soccer is in need of a refresh. At Copa América El Tri failed to progress from a group of Jamaica, Venezuela and Ecuador, forcing the FMF to part ways with head coach Jaime Lozano.

Former Atletico Madrid head coach Aguirre has returned to the national team for his third stint in charge of Mexico and he’s moved swiftly to cut some established players. Veteran stars Guillermo Ochoa, Raúl Jiménez and Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano were all omitted from his first roster list and look unlikely to force their way back in.

However, some may feel that Aguirre could have been more adventurous with his selection. Of the 26 players in this squad, 25 have already been called up for the national team. Spanish-born Alex Padilla, currently at Athletic Club in LaLiga, is the only one receiving his first call-up.

Mexico will hope to show signs of improvement for the upcoming September international friendlies. El Tri take on New Zealand on Saturday, September 7 and Canada on Tuesday, September 10.