Álex Zendejas
AME
Right Winger
Wide Forward
Feb 7, 1998 (28)
Left
5'6"
146 lb
Doubtful to play Sunday
Zendejas (groin) is doubtful to play against Pachuca on Sunday, according to Ismael Gonzalez of ESPN Mexico.
Analysis: Zendejas exited the midweek match against Atlas with an injury, and now he's in a race against time to be available for the match against Tuzos. If he doesn't play, Carlos Alvarez would play a bigger role in the final third, while Oscar Perea would probably get the nod on the left wing.
Injured after two goal contributions
Zendejas produced one goal and an assist but left with a potential injury in Wednesday's contest versus Atlas.
Analysis: Zendejas had an eventful second half in the midweek match, setting up Brian Rodriguez with a long pass and scoring via left-footed strike before his forced exit. He's now questionable for future games, possibly leaving the team without one of its most reliable offensive players. If the issue is relevant, either Oscar Perea or Isaias Violante may be able to play in his place, and Brian Rodriguez will gain set-piece numbers, especially if Raphael Veiga (knock) remains sidelined.
Quiet display in draw
Zendejas had one shot (one on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Monterrey.
Analysis: Zendejas found only a few chances to produce while getting involved mostly in one-on-one play against Rayados. Although he started on the right wing, he often moved into central zones near the opposition box. Zendejas has yet to score or assist in four league appearances this season, but should continue to play an important attacking role. He can also take set pieces, though Raphael Veiga and Brian Rodriguez were favored for those duties in the last game.
Available off bench Saturday
Zendejas (knee) is among the substitutes for Saturday's derby against Cruz Azul.
Analysis: Zendejas is one of the Azulcremas' most talented attackers, making his possible return to action a huge boost for a squad that looks greatly strengthened with his recovery and the addition of signings such as Carlos Alvarez and Oscar Perea. This situation directly threatens Isaias Violante in terms of playing time on the right flank. However, Zendejas can also appear in a central role at the expense of Raphael Veiga if given the opportunity. It remains to be seen how quickly the star player regains form after seeing almost no minutes of play since May, though his contribution should be crucial on the offensive end.
Nearing return
Zendejas (knee) has made significant progress in his recovery and is projected to see minutes in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals against Columbus Crew on Aug. 26, according to Victor Diaz of ESPN.
Analysis: Zendejas was the Azulcremas' most important absence during the initial stretch of the campaign, although his replacement Isaias Violante rose to the occasion, meaning there has been no need to rush the star midfielder's return. While he's likely to miss a couple more league contests, Zendejas should make a gradual comeback and eventually become a consistent starter while taking a major share of set pieces alongside Raphael Veiga.
Undergoes knee cleanup surgery
Zendejas is sidelined for an undisclosed period following successful arthroscopic cleanup of his right knee, his club announced Wednesday.
Analysis: Zendejas is one of the most dangerous wide attackers in Liga MX, a player whose pace, dribbling, and direct goal threat from the flanks and central zones make him a top fantasy asset when fully fit, so any procedure on his knee ahead of the Apertura season is worth monitoring closely. The club stopped short of attaching a specific date to his return, though he's reportedly set for a four-to-six-week recovery timeline, which would put him in line to return sometime during the early weeks of the tournament rather than missing it entirely. Zendejas' return could be managed carefully, as a knee cleanup that gets rushed can easily extend into a longer absence than initially projected. The attacker missed his team's preseason work due to his participation with the USMNT at the World Cup, where he logged only 13 minutes of play. At the club level, players such as Isaias Violante and Raphael Veiga should benefit from increased roles while Zendejas is out.
Makes World Cup debut
Zendejas generated one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Thursday's 3-2 defeat against Turkey.
Analysis: Zendejas entered as part of a triple substitution late in Thursday's 3-2 World Cup loss to Turkiye, replacing Brenden Aaronson as manager Mauricio Pochettino looked for a spark with the United States level at 2-2. He couldn't help produce the late breakthrough, as Turkiye struck deep into stoppage time to steal all three points just minutes after his introduction. Despite the limited minutes, Zendejas recorded one shot, one cross and one tackle in his World Cup debut. The defeat ultimately carried no consequences for the United States, which had already locked up first place in Group D and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1.
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