Luis Chávez Injures Knee in Training, Ruled Out of Gold Cup

Location: Training camp, San Diego USA — Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Mexico’s midfield cornerstone, Luis Gerardo Chávez (29), suffered a serious injury to his right knee during Wednesday’s training session. An MRI confirmed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), effectively ending his participation in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and sidelining him for several months

ncident Details & Diagnosis

  • The injury occurred during drills ahead of Mexico's quarterfinal clash with Saudi Arabia.

  • Medical scans revealed a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee

What This Means for Mexico

  • Chávez, a pivotal presence in midfield, had played in two of Mexico’s three group-stage matches before the injury

  • He’s expected to be out of competitive action for six to eight months, ruling him out of the remainder of the Gold Cup

Impact on the Team

  • Head coach Javier Aguirre now faces decisions over midfield replacements as Mexico prepares to face Saudi Arabia.

  • Chávez’s absence removes a key connector and energy provider in the midfield engine room.

A Difficult Blow

Luis Chávez has been a core figure for both club and country. The ACL injury is a harsh reminder of the brutal realities athletes face, especially amid high-stakes tournaments. His absence will be felt in Mexico’s engine room.

Next Steps

  • Surgery and rehabilitation will begin promptly, with recovery expected by early 2026.

  • Mexico will confirm their starting line-up closer to the quarterfinal against Saudi Arabia.

  • Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how Aguirre adapts the midfield setup without Chávez.

Final Thoughts

This is a major setback for both player and national team. Chávez's tireless runs, passing range, and ball-winning abilities were vital components of Mexico’s strategy. Now sidelined, the spotlight turns to Mexico’s depth and their ability to reorganize ahead of their next knockout match.

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