Gilberto Mora has been forced to withdraw from the Mexico national team roster due to injury, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) said on Tuesday.
The teenage star will miss Mexico’s friendlies against Panama on Thursday, Jan. 22 and Bolivia on Sunday, Jan. 25.
According to Claro Sports, the 17-year-old midfielder could be out for two months or longer with pubalgia — a chronic groin pain.
That could leave Mexico sweating over the fitness of one of the country’s best prospects in years ahead of a home World Cup this summer.
The FMF said that the Club Tijuana playmaker has dealt with the injury for several weeks.
‘Gilberto Mora will be dropped from training camp,’ read a statement.
‘The decision was made due to the physical discomfort the player has been experiencing since the early stages of the Liga MX season. In coordination with his club, it was determined that the player will continue his treatment and recovery process under the supervision of his team.’
Club América midfielder Alexis Gutiérrez was called up in Mora’s place.
Mora burst onto the international scene last year, becoming the youngest Mexico national team player ever at 16 years, three months, and two days on his debut in January.
The teenager started the Gold Cup semifinal, picking up a game-winning assist, then started the final as Mexico defeated the U.S. to win the Concacaf tournament.