Adalberto Carrasquilla
HOU
Center Midfielder
Wide Forward
Nov 28, 1998 (27)
Right
5'7"
143 lb
Active after quick recovery
Carrasquilla (undisclosed) played 89 minutes in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Tigres.
Analysis: Carrasquilla retained his central midfield spot despite being forced to exit with discomfort midweek against Santos. He created two scoring chances while winning six of his 13 duels against the Tigers. This performance confirms he's fully fit for the final few regular-season contests, but he remains in contention for playing time with Pedro Vite, Victor Arteaga and Israel Luna. If he continues to be selected, the Panama international could stand out as a source of ball recovery and distribution numbers, but he doesn't make the scoresheet very often.
Leaves match with injury
Carrasquilla left Thursday's match against Santos with an injury, according to RECORD.
Analysis: Any injury concern for Carrasquilla would be notable for Pumas given his importance as a midfield creator -- he has two assists across 10 appearances (six starts). Until more information is available, his status for the club's next match against Tigres UANL on Saturday remains uncertain.
Logs assist in win
Carrasquilla made an assist, created four chances, sent in three inaccurate crosses and drew three fouls during Friday's 2-1 win over Atlante.
Analysis: Carrasquilla was his team's biggest source of playmaking here and that proved to be a decisive factor for them to leave with the three points as he used a smart pass to assist Juninho for the game-winner in the 72nd minute. This was the first appearance on the scoresheet for the midfielder since his season debut back in Aug. 1 in what was definitely his best performance of the season as he tries to finally get some momentum and regain his best form.
No longer banned
Carrasquilla served his suspension in Sunday's loss to Atletico San Luis and should be an option for Pumas once he returns from international duty.
Analysis: Carrasquilla will be eligible for upcoming contests if he avoids fitness problems during the international break. However, he hasn't started at the club level in any of the last three games, and his red card during the previous match doesn't help his chances of regaining a primary role, especially since he's not working with the squad while he serves for his national team. He could be reliable for all-around contributions if he eventually gets opportunities in the contention with Pedro Vite, Victor Arteaga and Israel Luna.
Gets sent off against Atlas
Carrasquilla was shown a straight red card after coming off the bench during Saturday's 1-1 draw against Atlas.
Analysis: Carrasquilla was brought just before the hour mark to replace Victor Arteaga but wasn't able to make a statistical impact. To make things even worse, the midfielder was sent off in the 87th minute due to a reckless challenge that didn't even need VAR assist for the referee to make a decision. Since Carrasquilla will be with his national team on Sep. 27, when Pumas face Atletico San Luis, the one-game suspension won't affect him and he would be available again for the match against Cruz Azul, just after the international break.
Sends eight crosses in draw
Carrasquilla had three shots (two on goal), eight crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Queretaro.
Analysis: Carrasquilla was busy as a set-piece taker and playmaking threat, as evidenced by his high crossing and corner-kick numbers. This was the first start Carrasquilla has made this season, and if he stays in the XI, look for him to have a solid floor as a steady playmaker for Pumas.
Assists in return
Carrasquilla assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 5-1 win versus Juarez.
Analysis: Carrasquilla finally returned to the side after he was absent in the first two games due to a groin injury that also sidelined him from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He didn't need a lot of time to make an impact, as he took advantage of a defensive mistake that led to Guillermo Martinez's goal. Carrasquilla should eventually be a regular starter for Pumas this season, and if he stays fit in the upcoming Leagues Cup matches, he could crack the XI when Pumas resume their Liga MX campaign against Queretaro on Sunday, August 16.
On bench to face Bravos
Carrasquilla (groin) is on the bench for Friday's match against FC Juarez.
Analysis: Carrasquilla will be among the substitutes after returning to practice during the week, having missed the World Cup and the initial stages of the Apertura tournament due to the injury he suffered at the end of last season. While his comeback is a possibility in the weekend's matchup, the midfielder may still lack form, and the subsequent Leagues Cup competition will be a more reasonable scenario for him to regain momentum. If he avoids further physical setbacks, he should eventually become a regular member of Pumas' lineup, pushing Victor Arteaga to a less active role.
Returns to training
Carrasquilla (groin) was seen training with the squad Tuesday ahead of Friday's visit to Juarez, per the club's official social media.
Analysis: Carrasquilla's return to practice is an encouraging development for a Pumas side that is still working to find its ideal form in the early weeks of the Apertura campaign. A week three appearance seems unlikely given that he's just returning to group work, but the Leagues Cup window that follows could be a realistic target for his first minutes back. His full return to the starting lineup would give Pumas a meaningful upgrade in creativity and a balanced midfield contributor. On the other hand, Victor Arteaga and perhaps Sebastian Cordova could see their playing time affected by the Panamanian's comeback.
Ruled out for final clash
Carrasquilla (groin) did not recover in time to feature for Panama's group stage finale against England and will not be risked given the team's elimination from the tournament, according to Claro Sports.
Analysis: Carrasquilla's tear never healed sufficiently to warrant a risk, with coach Thomas Christiansen only prepared to use him had Panama still had a realistic path to qualification. Panama enter the England match already eliminated, looking instead to secure the first point in their World Cup history after five consecutive defeats dating back to 2018.
Suffers setback, out Tuesday
Carrasquilla (groin) is out for Tuesday's match against Croatia, according to manager Thomas Christiansen, per Guillermo Pineda of La Presna. "He won't make it. His progress hasn't been as good as it was in recent days, so we'll see about the next match. Well, he won't be available for tomorrow's match. The truth is, he made very good, positive progress in the days leading up to it. And well, there was a setback, but we aren't ruling him out for the next game.
Analysis: Carrasquilla will not feature despite some reports that he could be available, as the midfielder suffered a setback in his recovery and will instead remain sidelined. The good news is that it has not yet ruled him out for the group stage finale, already having been absent for their opening two games. With Panama facing Croatia and England next, an exit could very well come in the group stage, so Carrasquilla will look to see the field ahead of their elimination.
Could be available Tuesday
Carrasquilla (groin) returned to the training pitch Sunday but continues to train partially ahead of Tuesday's clash against Croatia, according to Guillermo Pineda G of Club La Prensa.
Analysis: Carrasquilla's appearance on the training pitch came after a notable absence from Friday's open training session, which had raised questions given he had completed his first high-intensity session since suffering the injury during the Clausura final. Teammate Alberto Quintero expressed optimism about his recovery, stating the squad views him as doing well and that his ultimate availability will depend on how he feels physically. Panama will continue assessing his progress over the coming days before making a final decision on his involvement against Croatia, with Carrasquilla expressing in an interview his dream to play against his idol Luka Modric.
Remains on modified program
Carrasquilla (groin) returned to the pitch but continued on a modified training program separate from the rest of the Panama squad, two days out from the clash against Croatia, according to La Prensa Panama.
Analysis: Carrasquilla's return to the pitch is an encouraging development after the leg injury sustained in the Clausura final with Pumas UNAM had raised serious doubts over his involvement in the tournament. However, his continued separation from the main group suggests he is not yet ready to train at full capacity, leaving his availability for the Croatia fixture uncertain. The coaching staff will monitor his progress closely over the coming days before making a final decision on his involvement.
Recovery in final phase
Carrasquilla (groin) remains absent from training as he continues the final phase of his recovery, with the midfielder the only notable absentee during the 15 minutes of Panama's session open to the press, according to Jean-Paul Francis Botello of La Estrella de Panama.
Analysis: Carrasquilla's continued absence keeps his availability for Tuesday's crucial fixture against Croatia in question, with Panama still holding serious aspirations of advancing to the knockout rounds despite their opening defeat to Ghana. The team will train again Saturday as they continue preparations for what looms as a pivotal match in their World Cup campaign. If he can't make it, Cristian Martinez is expected to start again in the midfield in his spot.
Option off bench
Carrasquilla (groin) is on the bench for Wednesday's opener against Ghana.
Analysis: Carrasquilla is available off the bench for Wednesday's clash. The midfielder was struggling with a groin injury coming into the match and was only expected to be a bench option. As expected he's available in a limited capacity if needed to come off the bench.
Will be on bench Wednesday
Carrasquilla (groin) is part of Panama's squad to face Ghana in the initial World Cup game as manager Thomas Christensen commented "Regarding Coco [Carrasquilla], if we've closed the list at 26, it means he's fine, although of course he's not at 100 percent, he'll be on the bench. We'll see how tomorrow's match goes, but the truth is, if he's available for the next match, that's fine too. We have to take it one step at a time, but if tomorrow, for whatever reason, we have to play all of it, then we'll have to do it, if we think it's necessary.", per Telemetro Reporta.
Analysis: Carrasquilla may be used for only a few minutes Wednesday unless Panama are down on the scoreboard and need to take risks. The key midfielder has made a gradual return to training sessions after dealing with an injury he picked up during the Liga MX finals on May 24. If his recovery continues to progress favorably, he could push for starts later in the international competition. Anibal Godoy (lower body) and Cristian Martinez are the fittest central midfield options while Carrasquilla's playing time is managed, but there's also the alternative of versatile attacker Yoel Barcenas helping in that zone.
Spotted in training
Carrasquilla (groin) was spotted in training Sunday and could be an option for the World Cup opener against Ghana on Wednesday.
Analysis: Carrasquilla is working his way back from a nagging injury he suffered with Pumas UNAM in the latter stages of the 2026 Clausura, but seeing him in training is certainly a good sign. He'll have a few more days to gain more fitness before a final decision on his status is made.
Opening match status uncertain
Carrasquilla (groin) was named in Panama's World Cup squad despite not having fully recovered from the left leg injury sustained in the Clausura final with Pumas UNAM, leaving his availability for the opening fixture uncertain, according to coach Thomas Christiansen, per Deportes RPC. "I would like to give you the information I have, but I am not a doctor to commit myself. If there is a good evolution, Coco might make it, I cannot tell you he will not make it because if he then arrives you will say I lied. According to the tests, Coco has the worse injury of the two. Anibal has been under treatment longer, he is already on the pitch running, doing sprints, changes of direction, and Coco has not reached that point yet."
Analysis: Carrasquilla's fitness is the most pressing concern in the Panama camp heading into the World Cup, with Christiansen acknowledging that fellow injury doubt Anibal Godoy is further along in his recovery. The coach stopped short of ruling Carrasquilla out of the opening fixture but made clear there is still significant ground to cover before the midfielder can be considered available for selection. His progression over the coming days will be the key factor in determining whether he plays any part in Panama's tournament opener.
Spotted in running shoes
Carrasquilla (groin) was spotted with the Panama squad wearing running shoes as he continues his recovery from the injury he suffered in his final club match with Pumas, with the coaching staff maintaining a cautious approach ahead of the World Cup opener against Ghana on June 17, the Panama federation posted.
Analysis: Carrasquilla remains on a differentiated training program and has not yet rejoined the full group, with coach Thomas Christiansen confirming he is following a specific recovery plan. The Panama squad will monitor his condition closely over the coming days before making any decisions on his availability for what promises to be the most important fixture in the nation's recent football history.
Still recovering
Carrasquilla continues to work separately from the group as he manages his recovery from a groin injury suffered in his final club match with Pumas, with coach Thomas Christiansen confirming the situation remains uncertain but expressing cautious optimism, according to Keish Gomez Munoz of ESPN. "All of them have had their recovery time and treatments. All are under the plan that has been proposed for these cases. Meija and Carrasquilla are working separately."
Analysis: Carrasquilla had been included in Panama's World Cup squad despite the injury with no clear diagnosis at the time, and the differentiated training program suggests he is not yet fully integrated with the group. The coaching staff will continue monitoring his condition over the coming days with Panama's World Cup opener against Ghana on June 17 the primary target for his return.
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