Report: Mexico Squad Hosts 'Around 30 Prostitutes' at Pre-World Cup Party
Jun 6, 2018
Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa grabs the ball during their international friendly football match against Scotland at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City, on June 2, 2018. (Photo by PEDRO PARDO / AFP) (Photo credit should read PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images)
Members of the Mexico national team were reportedly joined by "around 30 prostitutes" at a farewell party ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cupin Mexico City on Saturday following their 1-0 victory over Scotland at the Estadio Azteca.
Gossip magazine TVNotas (h/t Agence France-Presse, via World Soccer Talk) reported nine players—including goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, forward Raul Jimenez, defender Carlos Salcedo, midfielder Marco Fabian and brothers Jonathan and Giovani dos Santos—were in attendance at a private compound in the Mexican capital.
Mexican officials have said none of the squad will be sanctioned because the event took place on their own time.
Guillermo Cantu, general secretary of the Mexican Football Federation, said: "A free day is a free day and those are the risks that one runs with freedom."
Mexico face Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday in their final warm-up match before the World Cup kicks off in Russia, and the squad has already travelled to the Danish capital.
Their opening Group F match is against defending champions Germany on June 17 before meetings with South Korea (June 23) and Sweden (June 27).
El Tri will need to put in some impressive performances if they are to reach the last 16, as they have in the last six tournaments.
Manager Juan Carlos Osorio will be eager that the added attention does not upset his preparations as the tournament draws nearer.
Andres Guardado, Diego Reyes Included in Final Mexico World Cup Squad
Jun 4, 2018
ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 27: Andres Guardado of Mexico looks on during the international friendly match between Mexico and Croatia at AT&T Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Mexico have named both Andres Guardado and Diego Reyes in their final 23-man squad for the FIFA World Cup despite concerns over the fitness of the duo.
The team's official Twitter account posted the squad on Monday:
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) June 4, 2018
As noted by Jon Arnold of Goal, there were concerns about whether Guardado or Reyes would make the cut, as they both missed the 1-0 win over Scotland on Saturday, as did Hector Moreno.
"Guardado underwent a procedure shortly after the end of the season with Real Betis to repair a nerve issue in his leg while Reyes is nursing a hamstring problem," said Arnold. "Moreno has a calf knock but is expected to be fit for Saturday's friendly against Denmark and the World Cup after."
WhoScored.com showed Guardado provides excellent delivery from wide areas and set pieces:
Andrés Guardado: Of the 104 players to have attempted 50+ crosses, Guardado had the best cross success rate (40%) in La Liga last season
Supporters will be delighted to see the trio included, as they've all been crucial to the team's fortunes in recent years.
Tom Marshall of ESPN observed a large portion of the squad have experience playing outside of their homeland:
For the first time ever, Mexico's World Cup squad is made up predominantly of players playing outside of Mexico. 15 of Mexico's 23-player squad feature for clubs not in Liga MX, including 3 players in MLS. #eltrieng
Elsewhere, there aren't many surprises, with Juan Carlos Osorio keeping faith with a number of experienced stars.
It's at the top end of the pitch where El Tri have the potential to excite, with a number of bright attackers jostling for a starting spot. Javier Hernandez, Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer, is expected to lead the line.
The supporting cast is likely to come from Los Angeles FC's Carlos Vela, Porto's Jesus Corona and, most excitingly of all, PSV Eindhoven star Hirving Lozano.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 02: Hirving Lozano of Mexico drives the ball during the International Friendly match between Mexico v Scotland at Estadio Azteca on June 2, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
The winger heads to the World Cup after a tremendous debut term in the Netherlands, helping PSV Eindhoven win the Eredivisie with 17 goals and eight assists in the competition last season. He appears primed to thrive on the world stage this summer.
Rafael Marquez is also poised to make history at the tournament, as he'll join a select group of players to have played at five World Cups, per Fans Bet:
Now 39, the versatile defender has represented Mexico an incredible 143 times and is set to add to that haul of caps at the World Cup. While the former Barcelona man's best days are behind him, his experience will prove invaluable to Mexico on the big stage.
Mexico have made it out of the group in the last six World Cups but have failed to progress beyond the last 16 on every occasion.
They're in a challenging group in Russia. El Tri open their tournament against defending champions Germany before meetings with South Korea and Sweden.
Mexico vs. Wales: Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
May 28, 2018
BRUSSEL, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 10: Javier Hernandez of Mexico during the International Friendly match between Belgium v Mexico at the Koning Boudewijnstadion on November 10, 2017 in Brussel Belgium (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Mexico kick off their preparations for the FIFA World Cup with an international friendly against Wales at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Coach Juan Carlos Osorio's side face a tough test in Russia as they have been drawn against Germany, Sweden and South Korea in Group F.
Mexico's first game in the tournament will be against the world champions on June 17, so El Tri will need to prepare well if they are to get their campaign off to a good start.
Here's a look at how you can catch all the action on Monday.
Hernandez endured a tough season at West Ham United as the club became engaged in a relegation battle. The Hammers preserved their Premier League status, but the striker managed just eight goals.
He will come up against some familiar faces in the Wales team, and his pace and finishing ability could cause problems.
Wales must cope without Bale
There will be no Gareth Bale for Wales in California as the Real Madrid man was left out of the squad due to his team's participation in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday.
Bale is Wales' talisman, but Giggs' side will have to look for inspiration elsewhere.
The former Old Trafford star has picked a youthful squad and will look to his more experienced players to lead by example.
Aaron Ramsey could be the man to inspire Wales in Bale's absence. Arsenal endured another difficult season as they finished outside the top four again, but the midfielder impressed and scooped the club's individual awards, as shown by James Benge at the Evening Standard:
The 27-year-old provides drive from midfield, and his leadership and eye for goal mean he could make the difference for Wales.
Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez Among Mexico's World Cup Provisional Squad Roster
May 14, 2018
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MAY 14: Juan Carlos Osorio head coach of Mexico speaks during the announcement of the Mexican squad of 28 players for FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 at CAR on May 14, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio has named a preliminary squad of 28 players, including West Ham United striker Javier Hernandez, ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which gets underway June 14.
ESPN FC's Tom Marshall provided a breakdown of the players with a chance of making Mexico's final 23-man squad for Russia:
Osorio addressed the media and explained that while he would have liked to have named his 23-man squad Monday, injury doubts meant further assessment was needed, per Goal's Jon Arnold:
"What's clear is that if the World Cup started tomorrow, there are five players who couldn't be there: Nestor Araujo, Diego Reyes, Andres Guardado, Jonathan dos Santos and Giovani dos Santos. Now, on the medical theme, I think there's a space, a grey area. Our medical department is at a very high level, at an extraordinary level. It's debatable, in some cases, the proactivity or urgency with some medical cases need to be managed."
Monterrey youngster and United States youth international convert Jonathan Gonzalez, who earned his first senior Mexico cap in January, was highlighted by Marshall as a notable but to-be-expected absence:
No Jonathan Gonzalez on the Mexico World Cup squad list. It was always unlikely. Jonathan still a player with a bright future for Mexico. Will be part of Olympic process and the next World Cup. #eltrieng
Real Betis midfielder Andres Guardado will look to increase his tally as the third-most capped Mexico player of all time in the coming months, and the captain will be back to appear in his fourth successive World Cup.
Hernandez is El Tri's all-time highest scorer with 49 goals in 100 international appearances, and Chicharito will be out to make a mark with Mexico after finishing this Premier League season with only eight goals at West Ham.
One man who could help out with the goal drought in Russia this summer is winger Hirving Lozano, who finished his first Eredivisie season at PSV with 17 goals and eight assists, performing more like a striker at times, via Goal:
The pass, the flick, the finish 😱
Luuk de Jong and Hirving Lozano combine to score PSV's winner against Excelsior this evening pic.twitter.com/Qvgs0eNIoN
Unlike numerous other top national teams, Mexico tend to take heavy inspiration from the assets in their native Liga MX, and no fewer than 12 players from the division make up Osorio's latest squad.
The selection isn't lacking in experience, with nine players aged 30 or over and four of those at least 34.
The youngest player in the mix is 20-year-old Club America defender Edson Alvarez. Meanwhile, 39-year-old Rafael Marquez of Atlas is the eldest and is on the verge of featuring in his fifth World Cup, having already broken the Mexican record for matches played in the tournament (16).
Osorio has until June 4 to elect his final 23-man squad for the World Cup, with friendlies against Wales and Scotland taking place Tuesday, May 29 and Sunday, June 3 to help him decide who deserves to stay for the trip to Russia.
Mexico vs. Croatia: Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Mar 27, 2018
ZAGREB, CROATIA - NOVEMBER 09: Ivan Rakitic of Croatia controls the ball during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier play-off first leg match between Croatia and Greece at Maksimir Stadium on November 9, 2017 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Luka Stanzl/PIXSELL/MB Media)
Croatia take on Mexico in an international friendly at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday as both teams continue their FIFA World Cup 2018 preparations.
Mexico go into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over Iceland in California on Friday, while Croatia were beaten 2-0 by Peru in Florida.
Croatia have lost several of their stars for the match against Mexico as Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic,Nikola Kalinic, Ivan Perisic, Marcelo Brozovic and Danijel Subasic have all returned to Europe, per Goal's Jon Arnold.
The departures will make their task harder as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Peru.
Football analyst Matteo Bonetti explained why Croatia lost on Friday:
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said his team have "a lot of things to work on" before the summer's tournament, per Spanish news agency EFE (h/t Sport).
Croatia face a tough test at the World Cup as they have been drawn in the same group as Argentina, Nigeria and Iceland.
Winger Marko Pjaca said the friendlies against Peru and Mexico are to prepare them for facing Argentina, per football writer Juan G. Arango:
The performance against Peru suggests Croatia are still some way short in their preparations, and they may find it difficult against Mexico with key players missing.
Meanwhile, El Tri rested players against Iceland, but the arrival of Hirving Lozano and Carlos Vela at half-time helped them claim victory.
FootballTalentScout showed how prolific Lozano has been this season for club and country:
Both Lozano and Vela should start on Tuesday along with Javier Hernandez, who did not feature on Friday. Croatia will need to be wary of Mexico's firepower and must show a vast improvement if they are to take anything from the game.
Mexico vs. Iceland: Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Mar 23, 2018
Mexico's Javier Hernandez and teammates pay tribute to the victims of the last earthquake during their World Cup 2018 qualifier football match against Trinidad & Tobago at the Alfonso Lastras stadium in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, on October 6, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / YURI CORTEZ (Photo credit should read YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Mexico and Iceland will continue their preparations ahead of the 2018 World Cup on Friday when they meet in a friendly at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The pair will both be heading to Russia this summer, and each faces a difficult group. Mexico will be contending with Germany, South Korea and Sweden for a place in the knockout phase of the tournament, while Iceland will be taking on Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria.
Fine-tuning their squads ahead of the competition will be key if either is to succeed, so there's much to be gleaned from this friendly.
The international break will have come as a relief to the striker, who has endured a difficult season with West Ham United.
With the Hammers struggling against the threat of relegation, Hernandez has netted just seven goals in 29 appearances.
Chicharito has always been capable of turning it on for his national side, though if he's unable to shake off his domestic form, Mexico will at least have alternatives in Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez.
The former has bagged 16 goals and 10 assists for PSV Eindhoven this season, while the latter will also carry some momentum into the break, per ESPN FC's Tom Marshall:
Goal for Lozano today and a goal and an assist for R Jimenez. Good to see heading into the international break #eltrieng
They'll need to be on form to overcome Iceland, who should not be underestimated after their remarkable development in recent years.
They were the smallest team ever to reach a major tournament when they qualified for the UEFA European Championship, where they reached the quarter-finals. Iceland are now set to make their World Cup debut, per football journalist Joe Crann:
Iceland and Panama - who will make their World Cup debuts at #Russia2018 - are the 78th and 79th teams to play in the tournament since the first in 1930. 🇮🇸🇵🇦 pic.twitter.com/tg5iAezpCQ
Iceland will be without their best player, Everton star Gylfi Sigurdsson, after he was ruled out with a knee injury earlier this month.
However, while he will be missed, Iceland's strength was never based on individual quality but rather their ability to become greater than the sum of their parts, so they'll still be a difficult opponent for Mexico to navigate.
Mexico vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Jan 31, 2018
LAS VEGAS, NV - FEBRUARY 08: Fans cheer during the first half of exhibition match between Iceland and Mexico at Sam Boyd Stadium on February 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mexico won 1-0. (Photo by David J. Becker/Getty Images)
Mexico will play their first match of 2018 on Wednesday, when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a friendly in San Antonio, Texas.
The Bosnians have already played in one match this year, holding El Tri rivals USA to a scoreless draw.
As shared by football writer Derek Rae, the contest wasn't a popular one:
USA 0-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina in front of just over 11,000 with shadow squads. Have long felt games like this, held outside international periods, should be deemed ‘B’ internationals. Even that might be kind.
Both teams are without some of their best players, with Mexico pulling their entire squad out of Liga MX and MLS. It will give manager Juan Carlos Osorio the chance to look at some youngsters, most notably Jonathan Gonzalez, who only just shifted his international allegiance to the side.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming clash.
Midseason international friendlies never tend to draw the best players, and particularly around this time of year when the top leagues in Europe are at their busiest and there's plenty on the line. As a result, none of El Tri's top stars will feature, with the exception of Carlos Vela of Los Angeles Galaxy.
Bosnia have the same issue, as the team traveled across the Atlantic Ocean without Juventus' Miralem Pjanic or AS Roma's Edin Dzeko. The team's depth was tested against the USA, but they survived relatively comfortably.
Jonathan Gonzalez (R) of Monterrey is marked by Argentine Oribe Peralta (L) of America during their Mexican Apertura football tournament match at the BBVA Bancomer stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, on October 28, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Julio Cesar AGUILAR
In San Antonio, they'll likely face a young and inexperienced Mexico side, with Osorio expected to give plenty of minutes to his youngsters. Promising defender Cesar Montes could get a start, but all eyes will be on Gonzalez, who has switched from the United States men's national team to El Tri.
As shared by football writer Leander Schaerlaeckens, the decision came as a huge shock across the border:
The 18-year-old midfielder―who played for various American youth teams―is seen as a tremendous building block for the team and has been with Monterrey since 2014. Blessed with great vision and mobility, he's an expert ball-winner who should grow into an excellent player.
Football writer Tom Marshall loves watching the youngster play:
Impressed again watching Jona Gonzalez live. You really appreciate the ground he covers. It’ll be interesting to see how he fits with Mex. With @rayados his job is v clear. Seemed to take a hit to knee in 1st half, but I’m sure it won’t stop him joining @miseleccionmx#eltrieng
With Gonzalez in the fold and players like Montes coming along nicely, the future seems bright for El Tri. Orbelin Pineda and Victor Guzman both have star potential, and Hirving Lozano―who won't be part of the squad―might already be the team's best player.
Wednesday's clash may not be a real test to see where the team stands―even at full strength, Bosnia and Herzegovina failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup―but it will give some of El Tri's top young talents a chance to learn about Osorio's intricate systems and gain valuable experience ahead of an all-important summer.
Mexico World Cup Draw 2018: Fixtures, Matchups and Players to Watch in Russia
Dec 1, 2017
BRUSSEL, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 10: Javier Hernandez of Mexico during the International Friendly match between Belgium v Mexico at the Koning Boudewijnstadion on November 10, 2017 in Brussel Belgium (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Mexico will face Germany, Sweden and Korea Republic in Group F in Russia next summer following Friday's FIFA 2018 World Cup draw.
Here they are! The groups for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia! 🇷🇺🙌
Juan Carlos Osorio's side made light work of CONCACAF qualifying, finishing top of the group with six wins from 10 and only one defeat to finish five points clear.
The Mexicans will be aiming to maintain that form in Russia in what will be their 16th appearance in the finals of the tournament.
Mexico will also hope to make it past the group stages once again, having made it to the round of 16 in 2014 before being knocked by the Netherlands.
Germany will be the favourites to progress from the group having eased through qualifying with 10 wins from their 10 games.
Sweden, meanwhile, booked their spot in the finals by beating Italy in a qualifier, while Korea Republic finished behind Iran in Asia's Group A.
Mexico's World Cup fixtures
Sunday, June 17
Germany vs. Mexico - 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET, Luzhniki Stadium (Moscow)
Saturday, June 23
Korea Republic vs. Mexico - 7 p.m. BST / 2 p.m. ET, Rostov Arena
Wednesday, June 27
Mexico vs. Sweden - 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET, Ekateringburg Arena
Players to Watch
Hirving Lozano of Mexico during the friendly match between Belgium and Mexico on November 10, 2017 at the Koning Boudewijn stadium in Brussels, Belgium.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Hirving Lozano is enjoying a superb season with PSV Eindhoven, and an eye-catching display at the World Cup may well earn him a move to a bigger club.
The 22-year-old only moved to the Eredivisie in June from Pachuca, but he has already made history with the Dutch side, as shown by Opta:
Lozano's performances have attracted interest from Arsenal as a potential replacement for Alexis Sanchez, per Greg Johnson at Football.London.
The winger is quick, an excellent dribbler and possesses a keen eye for goal. He can cut inside and go for goal himself or try to get to the line and produce quality deliveries into the box.
Lozano has huge potential, and after starting so well at PSV, the World Cup will provide the perfect platform for him to showcase his talents to a global audience.
Mexico will also look to Javier Hernandez for goals next summer in Russia. The West Ham United striker is already El Tri's all-time leading goalscorer and will be out to add to his tally.
Hernandez is a clinical finisher and a real poacher in the box, as highlighted by Opta:
41 - All 41 of Javier Hernandez's PL goals have been from inside the box - only Tim Cahill has a higher 100% record (56/56). Poacher. pic.twitter.com/mHdTNNeA1l
The former Manchester United striker enjoyed a strong start to his West Ham United career, scoring two goals in his opening three games after moving from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
The 29-year-old has found goals more difficult to come by since, but he has also been let down by a lack of service in a struggling team.
Hernandez will hope the situation improves under new manager David Moyes so that he can take some form into the World Cup and lead from the front.
Raul Jimenez's Goal Lifts Mexico Past Poland 1-0 in Friendly
Nov 13, 2017
Mexico's Raul Jimenez celebrates scoring during the friendly football match Poland v Mexico at the Ergo Arena in Gdansk, Poland, on November 13, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JANEK SKARZYNSKI (Photo credit should read JANEK SKARZYNSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Raul Jimenez's fierce first-half finish proved enough for Mexico to down Poland 1-0 at the Stadion Energa Gdansk in Monday's friendly clash.
The Benfica forward was quite fortunate to receive the ball in the box in the 13th minute, but he made no mistake as he lashed the ball into the roof of the net first time from 10 yards.
Poland had their chances to level the score, particularly a Maciej Rybus effort just before the hour, but El Tri were eventually fairly comfortable in earning a decent win away from home.
Jonathan dos Santos set up Jimenez for a close-range header just four minutes in, but Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was equal to the task.
However, he could do nothing to keep out the 26-year-old's thunderous left-footed effort in the 13th minute.
GDANSK, POLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Javier Aquino of Mexico in action with Artur Jedrzejczyk of Poland during the international friendly match between Poland and Mexico on November 13, 2017 in Gdansk, Poland. (Photo by Piotr Matusewicz/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty
Javier Aquino had burst toward the box, and despite losing control, the ball then pin-balled back into Jimenez's path and he smashed it first time into the roof of the net.
The hosts struggled to retain any real possession in the remaining half-hour of the opening half as they looked for an equaliser and were limited largely to shots from distance.
Their best opportunity came in the 20th minute when a fine Karol Linetty delivery from a free-kick caused havoc in the Mexican box, but when the ball fell to Tomasz Kedziora, he could only launch his effort over the bar.
Krzysztof Maczynski and Jakub Swierczok both engineered tame efforts late in the half, but Mexican football writer Tom Marshall was correct in his conclusion El Tri had been largely comfortable:
Halftime: Poland 0-1 Mexico. Hard fought game this. Mexico playing quite well. Poland struggling to put passes together, but don't discount Mexico's pressing and intensity in stopping the opponent putting moves together. #eltrieng
Linetty then went close five minutes into the second half, but his effort went wide and again came from outside the box.
Rybus then finally gave Mexico a real scare as he burst into the left of the box, but his effort was saved well by Joe Corona's outstretched right leg.
Mexico looked largely comfortable from then on and went close to a second through Carlos Vela, Oribe Peralta and Hirving Lozano in the closing stages.
Poland vs. Mexico: Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule for 2017 Friendly
Nov 13, 2017
Hirving Lozano of Mexico during the friendly match between Belgium and Mexico on November 10, 2017 at the Koning Boudewijn stadium in Brussels, Belgium.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Poland welcome Mexico to the Stadion Energa Gdansk on Monday as the teams play an international friendly in preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Poles stormed to Russia 2018 after topping UEFA Group E with eight victories, scoring 28 goals as they dominated proceedings.
Mexico comfortably booked their spot in the finals with a strong showing in the CONCACAF Hexagonal, climbing to the summit as the United States crashed out.
WARSAW, POLAND - NOVEMBER 10: (R) Maciej Rybus from Poland fights for the ball with (L) Nahitan Nandez from Uruguay while Poland v Uruguay International Friendly soccer match at National Stadium on November 10, 2017 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Adam Nurki
As the months pass by and the World Cup in Russia approaches, qualifying teams are searching for opponents who will provide them with solid preparation ahead of the illustrious tournament.
Mexico have chosen to travel to Poland to pit themselves against European opposition, and the Eagles will be dark horses when the action begins next summer.
Per Sky Sports, a surprise 4-0 defeat to Denmark is the hosts' only stain on their recent record, and they remain unbeaten in five of their last six games in all competitions.
(L-R) Romelu Lukaku of Belgium, Nestor Araujo of Mexico, Edson Alvarez of Mexico, Hector Herrera of Mexico during the friendly match between Belgium and Mexico on November 10, 2017 at the Koning Boudewijn stadium in Brussels, Belgium.(Photo by VI Images v
Mexico displayed their mettle on Friday, drawing 3-3 in Belgium against one of Europe's best national teams.
Poland will have to find inspiration in their squad for the game, with Robert Lewandowski ruled out through injury.
According to Reuters (h/t Mark Lovell of ESPN), the Bayern Munich superstar said he has a thigh issue to attend to.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 4: Marcel Schmelzer of Dortmund and Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Muenchen battle for the ball during the German Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munchen at the Signal Iduna Park on November 4, 2017 in Dortmu
After playing the full game for Bayern against Borussia Dortmund, Lewandowski said:
"I had a minor injury. At the same time, injuries to other players who could not play at all meant I did not have an opportunity to rest or play for a shorter time.
"Sometimes even playing 20-30 minutes less in a game or just missing a game means everything comes back to normality.
"Maybe my injury was due to the fact that there was no time to rest."
The striker's absence will hamper Poland's ability to punish their opponents, and Mexico will be grateful to avoid the world-class predator.
Javier Hernandez of Mexico left the match injured during the friendly match between Belgium and Mexico on November 10, 2017 at the Koning Boudewijn stadium in Brussels, Belgium.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
El Tri could also be without one of their main protagonists after Javier Hernandez was injured in the friendly against Belgium.
Per Goal, Chicharito was substituted at the start of the second half because of a suspected pulled hamstring.
Considering West Ham United's woes in the Premier League, it is unlikely the east London side will want their striker risked in a friendly game, as David Moyes takes over as coach for the Hammers.
Former England captain Steven Gerrard recently criticised Hernandez for his current form, calling the Mexican "lazy" on BT Sport (h/t BT Sport Football):
"Compare Firmino to Hernández...one doesn't care, lazy, the other runs his socks off."
All eyes will be on burgeoning Mexico forward Hirving Lozano, who scored a brace against Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium.
The PSV Eindhoven talent has nine goals and three assists in nine Eredivisie appearances this term, according to WhoScored.com, and he has the potential to be one of the World Cup's breakout stars.
At 22, Lozano is only just finding the depth of his qualities, and if Chicharito is absent on Monday, he will be given additional freedom in the attack.
Poland's compact style will test the travelling party, but many of the Mexico squad have excellent experience against European formations and tactics.
The match could develop into a battle of function versus flair as both teams attempt to claim victory.
