Football
Tom Marshall, Mexico correspondent 6y

Giovani dos Santos, Javier Hernandez out for Mexico against Poland

Mexico will be without Giovani dos Santos for Monday's match against Poland in Gdansk.

The LA Galaxy player has a minor injury and won't be risked by coach Juan Carlos Osorio.

"He's got a small muscle complaint and we want to protect him so unfortunately he can't play," said Osorio in Sunday's pregame news conference.

Dos Santos' season is over with the Galaxy out of the MLS playoffs, and his next official game could be next March, when the 2018 MLS season begins.

Osorio will also be without West Ham striker Javier Hernandez, Club America's Edson Alvarez and Porto's Hector Herrera. The manager confirmed that all three have returned to their clubs.

Hernandez's injury was described in the Mexican federation's statement as "discomfort" in the "back of the thigh" [hamstring]. Studies confirmed that Hernandez had inflammation in the biceps femoris muscle, according to the same statement.

Mexico drew 3-3 on Friday against Belgium in Brussels and face another stern test against Poland.

"We'll play against the sixth-best national team in the world according to the FIFA rankings," said Osorio. "They have very good players playing in important teams like Napoli and Monaco."

Osorio suggested Poland -- who will be without striker Robert Lewandowski -- will be a different kind of opponent than Belgium.

"They give preference to a block with two lines of four, with two strikers or one striker and one player in behind," said Osorio, who hinted that Mexico may play three center-backs, most likely in a 3-4-3 formation.

Osorio also confirmed that Hirving Lozano, the two goal hero against Belgium, is available, although the manager is still debating whether to start the 22-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger.

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