Mexico resumes international duty for the first time since its World Cup Round of 16 exit, but Julian Quinones will miss the friendly against Colombia after sustaining a muscle injury while with Saudi club Al Qadisiya. The match also serves as the official debut of Rafael Marquez as Mexico’s head coach, launching a four-game FIFA window schedule for El Tri.
Quinones joins Raul Jimenez on the sidelines, with the Wolves forward also withdrawn after picking up an injury in England’s Championship.
The duo accounted for seven of Mexico’s 10 goals at the World Cup, making their absence a major concern as Marquez assembles his initial squad.
Colombia enters with significant changes following James Rodriguez’s international retirement, with manager Nestor Lorenzo naming Davinson Sanchez as the new captain. Los Cafeteros also exited the World Cup in the Round of 16, losing to Switzerland on penalties, and will aim to rebound under Sanchez’s leadership.
Projected lineup for Mexico
Marquez is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 with Gilberto Mora orchestrating midfield alongside Erik Lira and Alvaro Fidalgo, while Armando Gonzalez leads the line in place of the injured Jimenez.
Mexico projected lineup: Raul Rangel; Jorge Sanchez, Israel Reyes, Johan Vasquez, Mateo Chavez; Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Gilberto Mora; Hirving Lozano, Roberto Alvarado, Armando Gonzalez.
Projected lineup for Colombia
Lorenzo’s setup has Richard Rios and Gustavo Puerta shielding the defense, allowing Jhon Arias and Jaminton Campaz to push higher around Luis Suarez at center-forward.
Colombia projected lineup: Alvaro Montero; Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Alvaro Angulo; Richard Rios, Gustavo Puerta; Jhon Arias, Jaminton Campaz, Carlos Andres Gomez; Luis Suarez.
