Vela diagnosed with sprain

July 8, 2009

HOUSTON – Carlos Vela’s injury is not as serious as first feared.

At least that’s what Mexico team doctor Radames Gaxiola told reporters in an official statement.

“The injury that is present is medial tibial pain, affecting the ligaments on the right leg,” Gaxiola said. “In simplest terms, he has a sprain.”

Vela injured his right foot early in Mexico’s 2-0 win against Nicaragua Sunday in both teams’ Gold Cup opener in Oakland.

He fell awkwardly after a challenge in the first half and it was initially feared the injury was a fracture. The striker limped off the field 11 minutes into the match.

“In the fifth minute of the first half, Carlos Vela was spun around by a rival player who leaned against him which caused Carlos to incur pain on his right leg,” Gaxiola said.

Vela was taken to a bay area hospital in an ambulance after the Nicaragua game. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said it was a precautionary measure taken by the team doctor.

“Upon initial treatment, he felt pain on his right fibula. For that reason, after the game I went with him to a hospital to take X-rays and fortunately after evaluating the results it was determined that it was not a fracture,” Gaxiola said.

Vela returned to the team hotel in Oakland in crutches.

It is not clear if Vela will be available to play against Panama at Reliant Stadium Thursday.

By Ivan Orozco

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