El Tri coach Miguel Herrera expanded his 23-player World Cup roster to 30 on Monday, as FIFA rules dictate, but made it clear the seven reserves will only be involved in Brazil in case of injury.
Goalkeeper Moises Munoz (America), Juan Carlos Valenzuela (America), Alonso Escoboza (Santos Laguna), Miguel Ponce (Toluca), Javier Aquino (Villarreal), Miguel Herrera (Pachuca) and Aldo de Nigris (Chivas) are on the standby list, having missed out when Herrera named his squad last Friday.
Herrera stated in a press conference on Monday that the seven players won’t be joining up with the squad in its camp in Mexico City — which is already under way — but will keep up their fitness levels in case they are needed.
“I offered an apology to them for not being able to call them up,” said Herrera. “All seven have been very positive; the unconditional support for the national team is clear, they have accepted this with maturity.”
In the same press conference, details were also released about El Tri’s farewell game in the Estadio Azteca against Israel, which will also be a tribute to national team legend Cuauhtemoc Blanco
The 41-year-old new Puebla signing will feature in the match, with a special dedication to his career taking place at halftime.