Football
Tom Marshall, Mexico correspondent 7y

Mexico's Marquez, Guardado and Layun out against United States

MEXICO CITY -- Mexico is set to take on the United States in World Cup qualifying on Sunday without three of its leaders, with coach Juan Carlos Osorio stating in an interview on Thursday night that Rafa Marquez, Andres Guardado and Miguel Layun will not take part.

Osorio didn't mention the details in the postgame press conference. However, at the end of an interview with TV Azteca, he indicated that the trio would only fully be integrated into the group when Mexico arrives in Russia for the Confederations Cup early next week.

"No," said Osorio when asked by the TV station if Marquez, Layun and Guardado would be available. "The medical plan for Sunday is to do without them and then start training with them in the group on Monday or Tuesday in Russia."

Marquez underwent back surgery in April and has played only 22 minutes since, in a friendly against Ireland on June 1. But the 38-year-old wasn't included in the match-day squad for Mexico's 3-0 victory over Honduras on Thursday, despite Osorio stating he was already back in full training.

The Colombian coach hinted on Wednesday that Guardado would not be included against Honduras, but added that if Mexico was playing a final then he would be considered. The details of Guardado's injury have not been made public.

Layun's injury is also a mystery, although the Porto player is one of only two true full-backs in Mexico's Confederations Cup squad.

Defender Carlos Salcedo is also out of the match against the United States, after he was substituted out with an injury to his left leg on Thursday. The defender is set to travel to Russia with the rest of the squad.

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