Guardado faces fitness race for CONCACAF Cup after ankle injury

The Mexico midfielder could miss the Confederations Cup playoff against the U.S. after suffering an injury with PSV.

Mexico midfielder Andres Guardado is a fitness doubt for the CONCACAF Cup against the United States next month after damaging ankle ligaments Tuesday.

Guardado suffered the injury during the second half of PSV’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday. PSV confirmed the knock Wednesday and noted Guardado is expected to miss the next few weeks as he recovers.

The extent of the damage remains uncertain at this point. Guardado underwent an initial MRI after the victory in Eindhoven, but the swelling in his ankle limited the effectiveness of the scan. Guardado is expected to undergo a second scan when the swelling subsides to determine how long he must spend on the sidelines, according to PSV.

Guardado’s availability for the Confederations Cup playoff against the Americans on Oct. 10 hinges on a swift recovery. The short duration between his initial injury — suffered during a challenge with United defender Chris Smalling — and the playoff in three weeks places his presence for the one-off match at the Rose Bowl in doubt.

If Guardado is ruled out of the match, it would constitute a significant blow to El Tri’s preparations. Guardado served as Mexico captain during the run to the CONCACAF Gold Cup title summer and shouldered a significant role in the buildup in midfield.

Mexico manager Ricardo Ferretti faces a difficult task to replace his influential midfielder if Guardado misses out. Ferretti named several potential alternatives — including Club Leon midfielders Luis Montes and Carlos Pena for a three-man midfield, plus winger Jesus Corona if he opts for a four-man midfield — as part of a 32-man preliminary squad released by CONCACAF yesterday.