SOCHI, Russia -- Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio says the team is evolving and ultimately preparing for a time when Rafa Marquez is no longer available after not using the captain over the last three competitive games.
The question of how the long 38-year-old Atlas player can continue with the national team has long hung over El Tri and Osorio suggested on Tuesday that Marquez -- who has only played once since a back operation in April -- simply has competition for his place.
The manager said that Hector Moreno, Oswaldo Alanis, Carlos Salcedo, Nestor Araujo and Diego Reyes are all competing "very naturally" for Marquez's spot at center-back and that Hector Herrera and Reyes are in the mix for the holding role.
"The national team, more than preparing the way for the eventual exit of Rafael [Marquez] I believe ... is prepared to perform and give positive results the day any player can't play," said Osorio before adding that the phasing out of Marquez is not immediate, but part of a natural process.
"We're not detached from evolution and the need to renovate," said Osorio. "And I think that Rafael is one of the ones encouraging the renovation in the best way."
Marquez hurt his back on March 25 and underwent surgery in April. Since then, former Barcelona player Marquez has played only 22 minutes, coming on in Mexico's friendly against Ireland in New Jersey on June 1.
Osorio hinted that Club America youngster Edson Alvarez -- who is currently with the Mexico squad to gain experience -- also has the ability, like Marquez, to play both at the heart of the defense and in midfield.
Osorio was speaking on Tuesday in prematch press conference ahead of Wednesday's Group A match against New Zealand in the Confederations Cup.
Mexico drew its opening group game 2-0 against Portugal last Sunday in Kazan.