Marcel Ruiz leaves Toluca match injured and could affect Mexico call-ups

Marcel Ruiz, captain of Deportivo Toluca, suffered an injury during the match against San Diego FC in the Round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The midfielder had to leave the field before halftime after a collision that resulted in a blow to his knee.

The incident occurred around the 40th minute, when Ruiz remained on the ground following contact with an opposing player. Medical staff entered the field to treat him, and although a stretcher was brought out, the player eventually left the pitch walking slowly before being substituted by Nicolás Castro.

Prior to the injury, Ruiz had played an important role for Toluca, even helping to generate a penalty that gave the Mexican side an early advantage and left the MLS team playing with ten men.

The severity of the injury has not yet been confirmed, but the situation could impact the plans of Javier Aguirre for the upcoming international window with the Mexico national football team. Ruiz could join a growing list of injured players that already includes Luis Ángel Malagón, Rodrigo Huescas, César Huerta, Luis Chávez, Jesús Orozco Chiquete, Gil Mora and Edson Álvarez.

Mexican national team staff will now wait for further medical evaluation to determine the extent of the injury and whether the Toluca midfielder will be available for the next call-up.