Mexico's Rafael Marquez during a friendly match, in preparation for Copa America Chile 2015, at Allianz Parque stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 07, 2015. AFP PHOTO / Miguel SCHINCARIOL (Photo credit should read Miguel Schincariol/AFP/Getty Images) Giovani Dos Santos of Mexico reacts to a tackle during a friendly football match against Ecuador at the LA Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on March 28, 2015. AFP PHOTO/ MARK RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Mexico interim manager Ricardo Ferretti included veteran defender Rafa Marquez and omitted Giovani and Jonathan dos Santos from his 23-man squad to face Trinidad & Tobago and Argentina next month.
Tigres UANL boss Ferretti revealed his first squad since his unveiling as temporary El Tri manager on Monday. His selection drew heavily from the Mexico squads compiled for the Copa America and the CONCACAF Gold Cup as expected, but his decision to leave out the in-form dos Santos brothers ensures at least two significant changes at the start of his four-game tenure.
Villarreal midfielder Jonathan dos Santos excelled in the center of the park for Mexico during the Gold Cup last month, while LA Galaxy forward Giovani dos Santos is in the midst of a fine run of form since joining the MLS side earlier this month.
Their absences create some clarity up front -- regular selections Javier Hernández, Raul Jiménez, Oribe Peralta and Carlos Vela will vie for two berths -- and leave room for alterations in midfield. Ferretti named Tigres wingers Javier Aquino and Jesus Dueñas and FC Twente winger Jesus Corona to offer more options in the wide areas, while Luis Montes returns to the side to strengthen the central midfield choices.
Marquez is perhaps the most notable change in defense. The seasoned Hellas Verona defender captained Mexico at the Copa America and missed out on the Gold Cup triumph. His restoration ensures plenty of options in the heart of the back four with Héctor Moreno and Francisco Rodriguez both included as well.
Ferretti made his most sweeping changes in goal with Club América goalkeeper Moises Muñoz and Toluca starter Alfredo Talavera preferred to Gold Cup number Guillermo Ochoa and regular number two Jesus Corona. Ochoa has not featured for Spanish side Malaga in league play this season.
This group will hope to use the upcoming friendlies against T&T (Sept. 4 in Sandy, Utah) and Argentina (Sept. 8 in Arlington, Texas) to prepare for Confederations Cup playoff against USA on Oct. 10 in Pasadena, Calif.
Mexico squad to face Trinidad & Tobago and Argentina
Goalkeepers: Moises Muñoz (Club América), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca)
Defenders: Paul Aguilar (Club América), Oswaldo Alanis (Chivas Guadalajara), Miguel Layún (Watford), Rafa Marquez (Hellas Verona), Hector Moreno (PSV Eindhoven), Diego Reyes (FC Porto), Francisco Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Jorge Torres Nilo (Tigres UANL)
Midfielders: Javier Aquino (Tigres UANL), Jesus Corona (FC Twente), Jesus Dueñas (Tigres UANL), Carlos Esquivel (Toluca), Andrés Guardado (PSV Eindhoven), Javier Güémez (Club América), Héctor Herrera (FC Porto), Luis Montes (Club León), José Juan Vazquez (Club León)
Forwards: Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Raul Jiménez (Benfica), Oribe Peralta (Club América), Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad)
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