Santiago Giménez: AC Milan’s Concerns Over International Duty

Santiago Giménez, the rising star of Mexican football, recently returned to the pitch after a period sidelined by injury. However, his comeback has been met with a potentially challenging situation as AC Milan has formally requested the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) to exclude him from the upcoming March FIFA international window, which includes friendlies against Portugal and Belgium.

AC Milan’s Rationale: Preventing Re-Injury

According to reports from 365Scores México, AC Milan’s request stems from a desire to avoid any risk of re-injury for Giménez. The club is understandably cautious, given his recent recovery, and wants to ensure he remains fit and available for the crucial final stretch of the Serie A season. This is a significant concern for the Rossoneri, who rely heavily on Giménez’s goal-scoring prowess.

Impact on Mexico’s Squad and Javier Aguirre’s Plans

This request has landed on the desk of Mexico’s head coach, Javier Aguirre, who was reportedly considering including Giménez in his squad for the March fixtures. Aguirre now faces a difficult decision, as the FMF is likely to honour AC Milan’s request, given the regulations surrounding player welfare. This creates a vacancy in the attacking lineup.

German Berterame is now emerging as a potential replacement for Giménez. Aguirre is likely to build his forward line around Raúl Jiménez, “La Hormiga” González, and Berterame. This squad is seen as a strong indication of the core group Aguirre is evaluating for the 2026 World Cup.

Related News & Developments

• ESPN Mexico provides ongoing coverage of the Mexican national team.
• MLS Soccer offers insights into players potentially joining the national team.
• Recent reports suggest Julián Quiñones has expressed his desire to be a key part of the 2026 World Cup squad.
• There’s speculation about Tala Rangel potentially becoming a starter for Mexico in the 2026 World Cup.

The situation surrounding Santiago Giménez highlights the ongoing challenges faced by national teams in balancing player availability with club commitments. Aguirre will need to adapt his plans and identify the best possible options to ensure Mexico remains competitive in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.