Mexico left wing-back Adrian Aldrete is out of Friday's crunch Copa America Group A clash against Ecuador, but captain Rafa Marquez is likely to be fit enough to return.
Aldrete was injured as he played the pass for Mexico's equalizing goal in Monday's 3-3 draw against Chile, with early fears there had been a fracture. Those were dispelled on Tuesday with the news the Santos Laguna player only has a sprained right ankle, although he is predicted to miss the rest of the tournament.
"Due to the times, he'll miss the (rest of the) Copa," confirmed Mexico team doctor Gerardo Aguilar on Tuesday. "We're talking two to three weeks (out) and with time limited, it would be risky to expose him to something else happening."
The Mexican federation confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Aldrete will stay with the squad in Chile and not return to his club team, in case his recovery is quicker than expected and he is fit for the later stages of the competition.
Aldrete had been one of Mexico's best players over the first two games of the Copa America.
There was more positive news for 36-year-old center-back Marquez, whose swift recovery from a hamstring injury should mean he is ready to face Ecuador.
"If we put a number on it from one to 10, he's eight or nine," said Aguilar.
Mexico must defeat Ecuador in Rancagua on Friday in El Tri's final group match to guarantee a place in the quarterfinals.